THE ORIFLAMME

The Oriflamme was the sacred gold and red banner of St. Denis, patron saint of France, borne by the kings of France in battle. It was first taken to battle by King Louis le Gros in 1124.¹ It is depicted in Medieval manuscript images variously as without decoration, or bearing the gold words "S. Denys", or a golden sun. Displayed in battle, it meant that no quarter was to be given, no mercy shown. It was carried alongside the blue and gold fleur de lys Banner of France. It was a great honor to be chosen the Bearer of the Oriflamme, and the Bearer swore an oath to guard the Oriflamme with his life:

"You swear and promise, on the precious body of Jesus Christ, here present, and on the bodies of Monseigneur St. Denis and his companions, here also, that you will loyally, in your own person, guard and govern the Oriflamme of our lord the king, also present, to the honor and profit of himself and his kingdam [sic], and that you will not abandon it for the fear of death or any other cause, but that you will in all things do your duty, as becomes a good and loyal knight, towards your sovereign and liege-lord."2

The Oriflamme was thought to symbolize that God was on the side of the French in battle, and it was believed to ensure victory; this was patently disproved by the grievous French loss at the Battle of Crécy (1346) during the Hundred Years' War. The English captured the Oriflamme at the battles of Poitiers (1356), and Agincourt (1415). On both occasions, the bearers, Geoffroy de Charny and Guillaume Martel, did indeed give their lives to protect it. The Battle of Agincourt was the last time the Oriflamme was carried in battle.






1. France: Dictionnaire encyclopédique. Vol. 11. Philippe Le Bas, ed.
Paris, Firmin Didot Frères, 1844. 266.
This source also has a list of all the Bearers.

2. The Standard History of the World, Vol. 4.
     New York: The University Society, 1914. 2138.

• The Oriflamme in the Battle of Crécy, c1412-15.
  
• The Oriflamme in the Battle of Crécy, 15th c.
  
• The Oriflamme in the Battle of Crécy, late 15th c.
  
• The Oriflamme in the Battle of Poitiers, 15th c.
  
  

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