2007-06-17 12:21:08 · 5 answers · asked by rusalka 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Griffin, also spelled griffon , or gryphon composite mythological creature with a lion's body (winged or wingless) and a bird's head, usually that of an eagle. The griffin was a favourite decorative motif in the ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lands. Probably originating in the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean Shores) in the 2nd millennium BC, the griffin had spread throughout western Asia and into Greece by the 14th century BC. The Asiatic griffin had a crested head, whereas the Minoan and Greek griffin usually had a mane of spiral curls. It was shown either recumbent or seated on its haunches, often paired with the sphinx; its function may have been protective.
In the Iron Age the griffin was again prominent in both Asia and Greece. Greek metalworkers evolved a handsome stylized rendering, the beak open to show a curling tongue and the head provided with horses' ears and a large knob on top. Apparently the griffin was in some sense sacred, appearing frequently in sanctuary and tomb furnishings. Its precise nature or its place in cult and legend remains unknown.
2007-06-17 12:30:19 · answer #1 · answered by flugelberry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Several griffin-like creatures - beasts with the head of an eagle or some other bird of prey - occur in art, architecture and mythology of many early civilizations.
In Minoan Crete, such creatures were royal animals and guardians of throne rooms.
In Ancient Egypt, a similar creature was depicted with a slender, feline body and the head of a falcon; this is tentatively identified as an axex. Divine figures in Egyptian mythology, depicted as such griffin-like creatures, include Sefer and Sefert.
Of the two sacred "birds" of Persian mythology, the homa and the simurgh, the homa is often described as griffin-like. Ancient Elamites used such a creature extensively in their architecture. During the Achaemenid Empire, homa were used widely as statues and symbols in palaces. Homa also had a special place in Persian literature as guardians of light.
2007-06-17 22:12:26 · answer #2 · answered by ☼ɣɐʃʃɜƾ ɰɐɽɨɲɜɽɨƾ♀ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fox Network, It's called Family guy
2007-06-17 20:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by Patrick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Malaysia.
2007-06-17 19:55:52 · answer #4 · answered by Kangkung - 133 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The visa goth were the first to combine creatures when talking about their fighting ability..........................................................
2007-06-17 20:47:55 · answer #5 · answered by kilroymaster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋