In the diverse lexicon of armory, the tiger appears in two distinct forms: the traditional "heraldic tiger" (or tyger) and the "Bengal tiger" (or tiger proper). The mythical heraldic tyger, depicted with a leonine body, a wolf-like head, and a pointed snout or tusk, represents fierce courage, swiftness, and a formidable protective instinct. It was traditionally associated with a legendary maternal ferocity, often illustrated by the "tyger and mirror" motif where the beast is distracted by its own reflection while a hunter escapes with its young. This symbolized a person of immense power whose only vulnerability was their intellectual curiosity or their deep devotion to progeny and family legacy.

The Bengal tiger, rendered in its natural striped form, entered the heraldic record more recently, specifically representing imperial service, eastern exploration, and raw, majestic power. This version is a primary emblem for families and military units with a history of service in the Indian subcontinent or Southeast Asia, signaling a connection to those regions and a mastery over dangerous and exotic environments. In modern civic and national heraldry, particularly in Asia, the tiger serves as a sovereign symbol of national pride, independence, and the "tigrine" virtues of stealth, strength, and indomitable will. It is the signature of a leader who is both a silent predator and a magnificent guardian of the state.

Crucial to the tiger's meaning is its posture and accompaniment; a tiger "passant" suggest a disciplined and watchful power, while one "rampant" or "at bay" denotes active martial aggression and a readiness to strike. The heraldic tyger is frequently tinctured in bold colors like gold or red to emphasize its mythical status, whereas the Bengal tiger is usually shown "proper" to highlight its recognizable markings. Occupationally, the tiger is found in the arms of famous regiments and explorers, and in the civic seals of cities like Singapore or various Indian states. For further study and visual examples, consult The Heraldry Society (The Heraldry Society), Heraldry of the World (Heraldry of the World), the College of Arms (College of Arms), Mistholme (Mistholme), and the Wikimedia Commons gallery for tigers (Tigers in heraldry).