A Griffin’s personality represents its physical appearance; lions are traditionally considered “king of the beasts”, while the eagle is revered as “king among birds”. Both creatures are noble, majestic and powerful, which is how most myths and legends portray the Griffin. Their speed is legendary and they are superb fliers with sharp, all-seeing and piercing eyes. Variations on the spelling of their names include: Gryphon and Griffon. Although the Griffin’s origins date back to ancient mythology it has become a feature of Christianity and its image has been sculpted onto churches.

While nobody knows exactly where the Griffin came from it is generally believed to be native to India. Griffins had a thorough knowledge of buried treasure and could find gold in the mountains. They built their nests of gold, which naturally attracted hunters. This forced the Griffins to defend their homes, and they would deal with the hunters ruthlessly, killing and devouring the men and their unfortunate horses. This is why in ancient times the Griffin’s image was used to decorate the shields of riders going into battle – it was believed horses greatly fear Griffins, and would panic at the sight of the creature’s image on a shield. Some Griffins – particularly those without young - prefer to live underground, creating large and spacious dens. They will also make their homes in fallen trees; their excellent hearing and eyesight means they become aware of imminent danger long before it’s too late to protect themselves.

The first acknowledged writing about the Griffin dates to the 7th century BC, attributed to Aristeas, an ancient Greek writer. Aristeas called the Griffin the guard of the gold of North Eastern Europe, and the deadly adversary of the one-eyed Arimaspes, a tribe from the region of Scythie. The Griffin is a symbol of the Greek god Apollo and is associated with the goddesses Nemesis and Athena. The poet Aeschylus called Griffins “The Hounds of Zeus”, describing them as “ever vigilant, tireless and dedicated to guarding fiercely the gold of the North”. Griffins are said to have pulled the chariots of Pharoahs and legendary figures like Apollo, Nemesis and Alexander the Great. Their image adorns Egyptian tombs and appears in several hieroglyphic languages; it features as a seal on several Mesopotamian cylinders. The Minoan civilisation of Crete feature Griffins as royal animals and guardians of the throne room.

Griffins were supposedly monogamous, and so dedicated to their partners that should a mate die it would live out the rest of its life alone rather than seek out new companion. One legend claims a Griffin lays an egg of agate or sapphire in her golden nest. Another states a female Griffin finds a large, sheltered cave with a very narrow entrance where she lays three large ostrich-sized eggs. The Griffin’s talon was supposed to have medicinal properties, while a feather from the creature could restore sight to the blind.

Griffin eggs hatch after 11 months, with the infants weighing about 30 kilograms. Generally they leave home at the age of ten years, particularly if the mother is a wanderer and wants to travel. Some Griffins wait until they are 50 years old before leaving a pride of Griffins. Griffins are considered fully mature at the age of 200 years.

Here are some uses of Griffins in literature:

In Lewis Carrol’s “Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland” a Griffin takes Alice to listen to the Mock Turtle’s story.
Bill Peet’s “The Pinkish Purplish Bluish Egg” tells of a dove’s experiences as she raises a Griffin she hatches from a strange egg
In James Christianson’s “Voyage of the Basset” Cassandra is saved from marauding trolls by a Griffin.
C S Lewis “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” numbers Griffins among the beings making up Aslan’s army and followers.
In Joe Ekaitis’ “Collinsfort Village” a gentlemanly and kind Griffin resides in a suburb in Colorado.
Geoff Ryman’s “The Warrior Who Carried Life” features a giant white dragon called “The beast Who Talks to God” as a main character.
J K Rowling’s "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkarban introduces readers to a wonderful hippogriff called "Buckbeak", a touchy yet extremely loyal creature.

The next fantasy newsletter I am editing will be issued on 26 September, 2007, and will feature Chinese Mythological Creatures.