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Norway in the "Book of All Kingdoms"

Last modified: 2009-08-15 by phil nelson
Keywords: norway | book of all kingdoms | lion |
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[Flag of Suevia]
image by António Martins-Tuválkin, 11 November 2007

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The 18th flag mentioned and illustrated in the Book of All Kingdoms [e9s50] is attributed to Noruega (Norway).

This as depicted in the 2005 Spanish illustrated transcription, a yellow flag with a black lion passant (facing the hoist) with both forepaws raised (though definitely on his fours…), in the ogival default shape. This image different from the Flemish flag from the same source which shows, in the same colors, a lion rampant.

The anonymous author describes the flag thusly: «El rey d’esta Noruega a por señales un pendón de oro con un león prieto según aquí se sigue.»: "The King of this Norway has for sign a golden pendon with a black lion, as follows".
António Martins-Tuválkin, 11 November 2007


Most likely an incorrect depiction of the Norwegian arms as the arms of Norway are well documented. It is well established that King Håkon Håkonsson (ruled 1217–1263) used a gold lion on red as his arms. About 1280 the lion was issued with an axe (the one that killed St. Olav) and, since then, the arms of Norway has remained unchanged.
Jan Oskar Engene, 29 November 2007