The Double-Headed Eagle: Discover the Meaning and Symbolism

It’s a powerful bird that was duplicated to represent double the power and double the possibilities and responsibilities. The symbol predates the Roman Empire and took on new interpretations after its fall. Discover the meaning and symbolism of the double-headed eagle!

History of the Double-Headed Eagle

In Greek Mythology, Zeus allowed eagles to fly in from the east and the west to meet in Delphi, which points to the concept of a dual eagle. However, the double-headed eagle likely has a Hittite origin. The Hittite Empire used this symbol in Anatolia on both sculptures and seals. These sculptures sometimes incorporated other types of beasts as well. After this initial appearance of the double-headed eagle, there was a long while before the symbol reappeared.

Eagles are some of the strongest and biggest birds that fly through the skies. They have been known as “kings of the sky” due to their size, incredible eyesight, and balanced aggression. Ruling families have associated themselves with the eagle because of its power, strength, and grace. In antiquity, the Romans used the symbol of the eagle to represent their power. This symbol had only one head, however. Later, after the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire that remained took on the symbol of the eagle as its own but duplicated the head.

The symbol of the double-headed eagle represented both physical and spiritual power. It also represented the intention to harness power in the East and the West. The Holy Roman Empire adopted the eagle as a symbol of power yet again but kept it with a single head. The double-headed eagle appeared once more in the later part of the Middle Ages and represented two statuses: the royal and the imperial. In 1806, the Holy Roman Empire was no longer so the Hapsburgs stepped in, continuing the use of the double-headed eagle as a symbol of both the Austrian Empire and what used to be the Holy Roman Empire. Once the dual monarchy was established in 1867, it was common to see the double-headed eagle used yet the symbol had been in existence for far longer.

Double-Headed Eagle: Meaning and Symbolism

The exact interpretation of the meaning and symbolism of the double-headed eagle varies depending on the historical context and the cultural beliefs at the time. The symbol has been used during various historical periods and has been modified with each group that has adopted it. The meaning and symbolism may differ but the general interpretations include the following:

Power and Authority

Throughout history, the double-headed eagle has pointed to both power and authority. With a second head, the eagle represents an all-seeing perspective. There is an awareness that the double-headed eagle has with it looking in multiple directions at the same time. This points to the role of rulership and leadership, which requires the skills to influence several territories at once.

Balanced Dualism

Since they look in opposite directions, not only do they gain a broader perspective, but they also symbolize that contrasting ideas can coexist. The double-headed eagle symbolizes the need for balance to ensure wholeness. Whenever there are opposing forces like dark and light, there’s also a requirement for stability. This is what the double-headed eagle represents.

Unity

The symbol also points to the need for ultimate unity. As the two eagles look out in opposite directions, their broader perspective allows them to create a cohesive union of what may initially seem to be opposing forces. Being able to exercise control allows for not just cooperation but also collaboration. The double-headed eagle points to the strength acquired through unity.

Material and Spiritual Power

Similar to dualism, the double-headed eagle symbolizes heavenly and earthly power. There is a harmonious relationship that can exist between these two realms and the two heads of the eagle represent the union of power achieved in the material world and power harnessed from the spiritual world.

Expansive Ruling

The symbol of the double-headed eagle also points to dominion over large territories. With the eagles looking to the east and west, the need for unity and collaboration, and double the wingspan, the symbol points to the ability to influence across many lands. While the meaning of the double-headed eagle may represent expansive ruling, it may also represent the desire to rule far and wide. It may represent the ambition to increase your influence to extend further out into new territories.