GRYPHON, Griffon or Griffin was a legendary beast originating with the Persians of Central Asia and can be found in much of their poetry.  Part Lion (king of all land beasts) and part Eagle (king of the air), the legend of the Gryphon eventually made it’s way into medieval folk lore.  It was believed that the Gryphon’s talons had medicinal properties and that one of its feathers could restore sight to the blind.  Goblets fashioned from griffin claws (actually antelope horns) and griffin eggs (actually ostrich eggs) were highly prized in medieval European courts.

While superstitions surrounding the Gryphon were once considered evil by early Christians because of it’s chimerical nature, it was eventually adopted as an emblem of the church’s view on marriage because it was believed to be a monogamous creature that mated for life.  Because of its union as both terrestrial beast and aerial bird, the Gryphon soon became the Christian’s symbol for Jesus Christ who was also believed to be both human and divine. As such, it can be found sculpted on many Renaissance churches of the time.

In heraldry, the Gryphon's joining of both lion and eagle represents courage and boldness, and it is always depicted as a powerful and fierce beast. Its commonly seen crest has been used by many over the ages to denote strength, military courage, intelligence and leadership.

*The information provided here has been compiled from various sources and is for entertainment purposes only. No claims or promises are expressed or implied.

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