gryphons

Gryphons, also known as griffins or griffons, are legendary winged creatures widely depicted in ancient, medieval, and modern myth. They are typically described as having the body and hindquarters of a lion, combined with the head and wings of an eagle. Some traditions also describe the forelimbs as eagle talons or emphasize a beak and regal mane. The name derives from Greek gryphos meaning “hooked” or “curved,” and through Latin gryphus and Old French griffon, giving rise to the spellings gryphon and griffin/griffon.

Origins and spread: Gryphons appear in ancient art and literature across the Near East and Mediterranean, including Persian and Greek sources. They are often associated with guarding celestial or valuable treasure. In classical and medieval writing, they symbolize strength, vigilance, and protection, and are commonly depicted as guardians of gold mines, temples, or sacred relics.

Symbolism and depiction: The creature fuses the lion, king of beasts, with the eagle, king of birds, representing dominion over land and air. This combination made the gryphon a popular emblem of imperial power and guardianship in medieval heraldry and bestiaries.

In modern culture: Gryphons remain a staple in fantasy literature, art, and media, appearing in novels, games, and films. The spelling gryphon is favored by some authors, while griffin or griffon is more common in others. Despite variations in detail, the creature is generally treated as noble, formidable, and protective.