The Isle of Man Flag and Coat of Arms

The flag of the Isle of Man shows the Three Legs of Man emblem (Triskelion) against a red background. The Triskelion is a stylized symbol of three legs bent at the knee and joined at the thigh creating a pinwheel design. For the flag to have the Triskelion’s toes pointed clockwise, the flag utilizes a 2 sided design.

The Triskelion

This symbol, the Triskelion, has represented the island for centuries. Although there is no official definition, the Triskelion is always three legs bent at the knee, each wearing a spur, and joined together at the thigh. Different Triskelion variations appear on Government documents, currency, flags, and in other areas. While all possess the same basic makeup, their details vary greatly. Some have toes pointed clockwise, others counter-clockwise. The angle of the bent knees can vary quite a bit, with some Triskelions even having various angles in the legs within the same symbol. Also, the level of ornamentation for the pants legs and spurs vary tremendously from one Triskelion to another.

The Triskelion symbol is related directly to the motto of the Manx people: Whithersoever you throw it, it will stand. This motto is most often interpreted to symbolize the Manx character traits of stability and physical robustness. This motto has also been adopted by many Manx schools to promote hard work and perseverance.

The Triskelion symbol was probably adopted during the thirteenth century as the coat of arms of the native Manx kings, who also rules the Western Isles of Scotland, the Hebrides. Native rule of the Isle of Man ended in 1266, passed briefly to Scottish rule and ultimately to permanent rule by the English Crown. During this period, and on to present day, the Triskelion emblem was kept as a national symbol. The Manx Sword of State is one of the earliest surviving examples of the Triskelion, dating back to 1300 AD, and Manx coins from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries bear the symbol as well.

No one knows why the Triskelion was taken as the royal arms symbol by the Manx Kingdom. The three legs once stood for Power, the Seat of Life, and the Sun. The Triskelion was also known in ancient Sicily, although Sicily's "legs" were naked, and the head of the Gorgon Medusa was prominently displayed in the centre of the legs.

A similar symbol was also popular amongst the Nordic and Celtic people in Northwestern Europe. Because of this, it is posited that the Manx version of the Triskelion was a modification of a native badge or heraldic emblem. This theory is supported by a simplified version of the Triskelion, the 'triskele,' or 'three-legs' symbol on tenth-century coins minted during the reign of the Norse King Anlaf Cuaran. Cuaran's demesne included the Isle of Man as well as Dublin. There is a strong probability that later Manx kings were also an offshoot of this same royal dynasty.

All these ancient Triskelion symbols had the legs running sun-wise, or clockwise, and in that respect the Isle of Man’s heraldic symbol coincides with the pagan sun-symbol of old. Sometimes the Triskelion is drawn counter-clockwise, but this is considered inappropriate by experts.

Coat of Arms

The Manx Coat of Arms, or, more correctly, the Arms of Her Majesty in right of the Isle of Man, were bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen by means of a Royal Warrant dated July 12th, 1996. The Arms are a version of the traditional arms that include the Three Legs joined together on a red shield, with a Crown above them and the motto Quocunque Jeceris Stabit.

The Supporters assigned to the Arms were chosen because of their historic significance. King Henry IV gave the Isle of Man's rule and rights to Sir John Stanley in 1405 on the condition that Stanley gave homage and sent two Peregrine falcons to Henry and every succeeding King of England on their Coronation. The descendants of Sir John ruled the Isle of Man for 360 years as the Lords of Mann, until King George III took the Lordship title. The practice of presenting the falcons continued until the coronation of George IV in 1822.

The Odin's Raven

Many places on the Isle of Man have "raven" in their names. The raven is a mysterious and legendary bird, and the strong symbolic presence of ravens is most likely owed to the Norse influence on the Island. Odin, the King of the Norse gods, was heralded by his two ravens in Nordic mythology. In 1970, the Isle of Man's Millennial year, a Viking longship replica was sailed to the Isle of Man from Norway by a crew comprised of Norwegian and Manx citizens. This longship, named "Odin's Raven," is on display on the Island today.

MacDonald Flag
(Isle of Man Parliament Flag)

The MacDonald Flag is the official flag of the Tynwald, or Manx Parliament, and is flown on Tynwald Day, or National Day. The original idea for this flag was based on the ancient coat of arms borne by the Lords of Mann, which displayed furled sail ship. This emblem has also been used to decorate Manx coins and notes. The Tynwald Arrangements Committee chose to adopt this flag in 1971to pay homage to the parliament’s Viking past.

Civil Ensign
(Isle of Man Ship Flag)

This flag is the maritime colors of the Isle of Man, and can only be flown on ships registered in the Isle of Man and owned by residents of the Isle of Man.

Lieutenant Governor's Flag

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, High Commissioner or other officer administering a government fly this flag. The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man is selected by the Lord of Man, Queen Elizabeth II, to represent her on the island.