A lion, for instance, which in nature is not a very distinctive object, was portrayed, for greater distinction, with its leonine attributes, its fierce expression, frightful claws, lithe and ,lissom body all vastly exaggerated, so that indeed it looked more like a lion than did ever any lion of nature. In this wise, by turning away from true representation and adopting a character all its own, was the 'heraldic lion' born, and with it came also the manner of depictin all the other beasts and forms and patterns which is so peculiarly heraldic.

Summary

This quote explains the origin and distinctive style of heraldic imagery. It suggests that heraldic depictions of animals, like the lion, were deliberately exaggerated and embellished to stand out and differentiate themselves from their natural counterparts. These embellishments included features like ferocious expressions, sharp claws, and agile bodies. The creation of these heraldic symbols led to the development of a unique artistic style that extended to all the other beasts and patterns used in heraldry. By deviating from true representation, heraldic imagery allowed for the creation of visually impactful and easily identifiable symbols.

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