GRIFFIN MYTHICAL CREATURE

Griffin: 

The Lion-Eagle of Mythology

If you are a fan of fantasy and adventure stories, you may have encountered a creature that looks like a lion with wings and an eagle’s head. This creature is called a griffin, and it has a long and rich history in mythology and art. In this blog post, I will explore the origins, characteristics, and symbolism of the griffin, one of the most magnificent and mysterious creatures of legend.

Origins of the Griffin

The griffin is a very old creature, dating back to the second millennium BCE. It probably originated in the Levant, a region in the eastern Mediterranean that includes modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. From there, it spread throughout western Asia and into Greece by the 14th century BCE1

The griffin was a popular decorative motif in many ancient cultures, such as the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Persian, Minoan, Greek, and Roman. It was often depicted on pottery, jewelry, sculptures, frescoes, coins, and seals. The griffin was also associated with gold deposits in Central Asia, and was said to guard treasures and priceless possessions1

The name of the griffin comes from the Greek word γρύψ (gryps), meaning “curved” or “hooked”. It could also be derived from a Semitic language, such as the Hebrew word for cherub כרוב (kerúv). In Persian, the griffin is called shirdal, meaning “lion-eagle”1

Characteristics of the Griffin

The griffin is a composite creature, meaning that it combines features of different animals. The most common form of the griffin has the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an eagle’s talons as its front feet. The lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, so by combining them, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature1

The griffin has some variations in its appearance depending on the culture and period. For example, the Asiatic griffin had a crested head, whereas the Minoan and Greek griffin usually had a mane of spiral curls. The griffin could be shown either recumbent or seated on its haunches, often paired with the sphinx. The griffin could also have horses’ ears and a large knob on top of its head1

The griffin is known for its incredible strength, unfailing protective instincts, and a zero-tolerance policy against evil. It is the superhero of mythological creatures. No villain can mess with the griffin! The griffin is also loyal and faithful to its mate and offspring. Some legends say that if one partner dies, the other will not mate again2

Symbolism of the Griffin

The griffin has many meanings and associations in different cultures and contexts. Here are some of them:

The griffin represents divine power and wisdom. It is often seen as a guardian of sacred places and objects, such as temples, tombs, relics

Received message.