The Wolfsangel (German for "wolf's hook") is a symbol originating in Germany. It is also known as the Wolf's Hook or Doppelhaken. The upright variant is also known as "thunderbolt" (Donnerkeil) and the horizontal variant as "werewolf". Historically, the symbol originated as a mason's mark and was once used as a heraldic symbol in coats of arms. Today, the symbol appears in numerous city coats of arms. It was adopted by several military units of Nazi Germany. Due to this, along with continuing use by Neo-Nazi organisations, the symbol is now sometimes associated with Nazism. Origins While the actual origins of the symbol appear to have been lost in obscurity, various theoretical explanations, historical traces and folk legends exist. Heraldry And Mason's Marks The symbol was in the coat of arms of Bornheim (now part of Frankfurt). In this function, it may be traced back t