Simurgh (SFPP)

The simurgh is a fabulous bird of Persian legend, a repository of wisdom.  It is distinguished by its long tail feathers, and for that reason may also be blazoned a “Persian peacock”.  This form of the simurgh dates from the 14^th Century, in the Shahnama (Book of Kings); it seems to have derived from the senmurv of the 7^th Century, and many modern sources equate the two.  The legends give the simurgh some of the qualities of the roc (enormous size) and the phoenix (immortality, wisdom); it may have been the precursor of the Russian firebird.

As an heraldic charge, the simurgh is unique to Society armory; its use carries a step from period practice.  It doesn’t seem to have a default posture; the illustration shows a simurgh close.

Meara al-Isfahani bears:  Or, a simurgh displayed gules within a bordure engrailed sable.

Helena de Argentoune bears:  Per bend sable and gules, a simurgh volant bendwise Or.

Tavia of Persia bears:  Azure, a simurgh close Or.