King Arthur Coat of Arms

Coats of arms and family crests were important in medieval society and Arthurian legend. Heraldric shields helped identify knights on the battlefield, and were often symbols of their personality. The pentangle on Ser Gawain's shield, for instance, represented his incorruptibility and power over evil.

While this activity does not adhere to the complicated and strict rules of medieval heraldry, it gives students an opportunity to reflect on their values, and how they would like to express themselves in the world.

Instructions for a Coat of Arms/Family Crest

To make a coat of arm, start with a regular 2x3 storyboard. Find the background (Scenes > Patterns) that have the swoops with which to make a shield shape. You will need to use the flip tool to do one of the sides.

• In the top left panel, select an animal to represents you or your strengths. Be sure to give it a textable label.
• In the top right panel, depict yourself doing something you love. Also label this with a matching textable.
• In one middle cell, show something you aspire to, or an occupation you'd like to have. In the other show an object that is important to you. Label both of these cells, too.
• In the bottom left cell, find a symbol that shows something you love or something that makes you feel good.
• In the bottom right cell, add a text box and write “My Motto:” followed by a phrase that you think represents who you are and how you think people should act.

The first five cells can be related, as in the example, but they don’t have to be. If you have many loves and interests, that is fine.

• Finally, add a scroll from the textables and in bold letters, write out your last name.