The Griffin (Greek gryphos, Persian شیردال‌ shirdal "lion-eagle") (also spelled gryphon and, less commonly, gryphen, griffon, griffen, or gryphin) is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was considered the "King of the Beasts" and the eagle the "King of the Air", the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. The griffin is generally represented with four legs, wings and a beak, with eagle-like talons in place of a lion's forelegs and equine ears jutting from its skull. Some traditions say that only female griffins have wings. Some writers describe the tail as a serpent. See the entry European dragon for a 19th century painting of St George and the dragon, showing a dragon very like a classically-conceived griffin.

Classical and heraldic griffins are male and female. A "male" griffin, called a keythong in a single 15th century English heraldic manuscript, is an anomaly that belongs strictly to a late phase of English heraldry: see below.

Nature of griffins

---

Saena.jpg silver plate of a Simurgh (Sēnmurw), 7-8th c. A.D]] Tales of griffins and the Arimaspi of distant Scythia near the cave of Boreas, the North Wind (Geskleithron) were elaborated in the lost archaic poem of Aristeas of Proconnesus, Arimaspea, and eagerly reported by Herodotus and in Pliny's Natural History. The griffin was said to build a nest, like an eagle. Instead of eggs, it lays agates. The animal was supposed to watch over gold mines and hidden treasures, and to be the enemy of the horse. The incredibly rare offspring of griffin and horse would be called hippogriff.

More on [ Griffin ]

Wiley: All New Reference Titles

Neuroscience at a Glance, 3rd Edition
Roger Barker, Stephen Barasi Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  This third edition of one of the most popular titles in the at a Glance series contains essential integrated information on anatomy, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology to provide a review of the structure and function of the nervous system. Neuroscience at a Glance is the perfect introduction and revision aid to this notoriously difficult subject area and features: Read More...
Paediatrics, 8th Edition
Simon Newell, Jonathan Darling Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  With a clinical focus, this title provides the information central to an understanding of the care of children in clinical practice, without the excesses of postgraduate detail seen in many texts. This edition has been extensively revised and updated to incorporate the latest developments in paediatric medicine. It now includes: Read More...
MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-630
James Pyles Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  Prepare for Microsoft's new certification for SharePoint administrators Qualified SharePoint administrators are in demand, and what better way to show your expertise in this growing field than with Microsoft's new MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration certification. Inside, find everything you need to prepare for exam 70-630, including full coverage of exam topics such as configuring content management, Read More...
Psychiatry Finals: EMQs and OSCEs
Kazuya Iwata, Afia Ali Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  This revision guide contains Extended Matching Questions (EMQs) and Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) that comprehensively cover the major topics in Psychiatry likely to be tested at medical school. It will also be an invaluable resource to those taking other exams such as the PLAB and postgraduate Psychiatry examinations. Part 1 comprises 58 EMQs, divided into 8 chapters, covering questions on mental state examinations, Read More...
Color Atlas of Local and Systemic Manifestations of Cardiovascular Disease
Franklin B. Saksena Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  This brief guide to visual diagnosis helps the novice develop -- and the veteran refresh -- crucial skills that can spare the patient unnecessary testing and bring the physician one step closer to an accurate diagnosis.Dr Saksena draws on his years of experience in teaching and training to show you the physical signs of cardiovascular disease that can be spotted by visual examination. For each sign, Read More...
AP Biology For Dummies
Peter Mikulecky, Michelle Rose Gilman, Brian Peterson Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  Includes extensive coverage of organisms and populations Study for the AP exam with ease and increase your score! Get up to speed on all the topics and themes of the AP exam in a focused, step-by-step manner. Beginning with an exam overview and ways to get the most out of an AP biology class, this book offers a review of the topics emphasized on the test and two full-length practice exams, Read More...

Subscribe to Griffin RSS feed