Does anybody know what the crest means? I have read that it is comprised of the groups star signs. i have read that the fairies represent Freddie. I have also heard the the phoenix represents Freddie. So I am confused and would like to know what it actually means?
The Queen logo, also known as the Queen Crest, was designed by Mercury
shortly before the release of their first album. The logo features the zodiac signs of all four members: two lions for Leo (Deacon and Taylor), a crab for Cancer (May), and two fairies for Virgo (Mercury).[49]
The lions are embracing a stylised letter Q, the crab is resting atop
the Q with flames rising directly above it, and the fairies are each
sheltering below a lion. There is also a crown inside the Q and the
whole logo is over-shadowed by an enormous phoenix. The whole symbol bears a passing resemblance to the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom,
particularly with the lion supporters. The original logo, as found on
the reverse-side of the first album cover, was a simple line drawing
but more intricate colour versions were used on later album covers.
I've read on other sites other than wikipedia that the lions are for Roger and John. The fairies are for Freddie and the crab is for Brian. That other person above me (can't remember the name) also said that but I jsut wanted to say so anyway in case you were wary to believe wikipedia. But they are for the different members' zodiac signs. Very good question.
"You know, I designed the Queen crest. I simply
combined all the creatures that represent our star signs-and I don't
even believe in astrology."
-Freddie Mercury
Brian May -birthday 19 July - makes him a Cancer, which represents the crab
John Deacon - birthday 19 August - makes him a Leo. which represents a lion
Roger Taylor - birthday 26 July- makes him a Leo, which represents a lion
Freddie Mercury - birthday 5 September - makes him a Virgo, which represents the virgin..(the virgin symbol often takes a look of an angel or a women..there not fairies.)
; ]
deleted user 03.10.2010 15:26
Some say Freddies inspiration for the crest came from this building in Dale Street, Liverpool link
BelieveInYourself wrote: Since the very past there were only 9 star signs.
After Freddie created the crest and A Night At The Opera became successful ,Queen fans demanded that Leo, Virgo and Cancer would become star signs as well.
Brian phoned Sir Patrick Moore who is in contact with God and other creators of the universe.
Only, after Brian finished his thesis the 3 signs became official signs.
All other stories are not true
sure. And the Phoenix is not a Phoenix but just Fried Chicken? :-)
At the risk of being on the receiving end of name-calling and being considered pedantic, technically the Queen Crest is actually a Heraldic. The crest is the top (originating from feathered crest of a bird). Here's the breakdown:
Queen Heraldic
Crest = The Phoenix at the top
Supporters = the two lions, the crab and the two fairies on the flanks
Shield - the big Q flanked by the Supporters
Coronet = The crown placed within the shield (traditionally, it should sit where the crab is currently placed)
Compartment = the leafy branches one which the Supporters stand and sit
Motto = The cloth at the bottom of the Q stands in for the cloth on which a motto would be written
Also of interest, as Brian May is a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, he's within his rights to display the medal on the base of the Q Shield, I believe thus granting legitimacy to the heraldic as a whole, where it would no longer be a 'made up' image.
The "fairies" are more accurately referred to as Nymphs.
This is from a Queen document I saw exhibited at the 40th Anniversary show in London last month. The document was on display and explained the original crest art work.
Nymphs are from Greek Mythology. They are part of the retinue of Greek Gods such as Dionysus, Hermes and Pan. Described as young maidens who love to sing and dance and they dwell in mountains and groves, by springs and rivers, also trees and grottoes. Aquatic Nymphs are associated with aquatic deities such as Poseiden and are called Naiads. If a Naiads body of water dries up, it is fatal to that Naiad.
So what is the difference between a Fairy and a Nymph? A fairy is a magical creature (wee folk some say). Often a trickster to mortal humans and not necessarily pre-occupied with singing and dancing for the Gods, as is the purpose of Nymphs in Mythology.
So prior to the show in London, I always just thought they were faeries as well.
Freddie Mercury designed the original Queen Crest, he was also a student of art and design at a Ealing College in London.
rhyeking wrote:
Also of interest, as Brian May is a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, he's within his rights to display the medal on the base of the Q Shield, I believe thus granting legitimacy to the heraldic as a whole, where it would no longer be a 'made up' image.
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Bollocks. Pretentious twaddle.
He may be entitled to display the medal on the May family coat of arms, but not some random commercial symbol. That's like saying Tesco can use a sword in their logo because their CEO got knighted.
