What symbols flanked the cross on the Spanish Inquisition's seal?

A sword and an olive branch flanked the cross on the Spanish Inquisition’s seal.

The paired symbols expressed two sides of the tribunal’s claimed mission. The sword represented punishment—especially the punishment of heretics—while the olive branch represented reconciliation with people who repented and returned to Catholic orthodoxy.

The emblem therefore presented coercion and forgiveness as complementary ideas. The Inquisition investigated suspected offenses against the faith, imposed penances or other sentences on the convicted, and could reconcile repentant defendants to the Church. Those who were unrepentant or relapsed could face much harsher outcomes.

The seal is not the same as a symbol of the Spanish monarchy alone. It identified the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition and reflected the institution’s religious-judicial language. The cross formed the center of the design, while the sword and olive branch visually summarized punishment and mercy.