Jelita coat of arms
Jelita is a Polish coat of arms. It was used by several szlachta families. History. One of the oldest Polish coats of arms. First depicted on the seal of Tomisław z Mokrska from 1316. Additionally, the Polish medieval chronicler, diplomat and soldier Jan Długosz referred to those bearing the Jelita coat of arms as "a clan born in Poland of men who are modestly devoted to dogs and hunting." Legend. Legend says that coat of arms was granted by King Władysław I Łokietek to a peasant soldier (and his family) after the Battle of Płowce (1331 ) in which the Polish armies defeated the 40,000-strong force of the Teutonic Knights with minimal casualties. The man fought with great courage and only fell in battle when pierced by three spears in the abdominal region which caused his bowels to fall out. Shortly before death the King ennobled the fatally wounded man. Hence the three crossed spears in the coat of arms as well as the name Jelita - Bowels or Guts. Notable bearers. Notable bearers of this coat of arms include: