What Is A Griffin?

Some people have been asking what a Griffin is.

"The griffin is a mythical creature with the face, beak, talons and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. At times, it is portrayed with a long snake-like tail. In some traditions, only the female has wings. Its nests are made of gold and its eggs resemble agates. Pliny believed griffins came from Northern Russia; Aeschylus thought they originated in Ethiopia; and Bullfinch wrote that their native country was India. In its body, the griffin is blessed with the speed, flight, and penetrating vision of the eagle and the strength, courage, and majesty of the lion."

I hope this helps a little. The Griffin reminds me of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin all in one.

Find out more about the Griffin

JK Rowling also states in Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them that a Griffin:

"...originated in Greece and has the front legs and head of a giant eagle, but the body and hind legs of a lion. Like sphinxes (see page 39), griffins are often employed by wizards to guard treasure. Though griffins are fierce, a handful of skilled wizards have been known to befriend one. Griffins feed on raw meat."

yeah that is what i came up with when i said that griffindor got it's name from a lion and a eagle. YOu really study alot and got your information all correct. Wow good job it's ver educational

Griffins are ebautiful creature. In Venice, Italy, there is a statue on a tower that looks somewhat like a griffin. It is a beautiful, though mythical creature I think

Griffins are used on shields and family crests although I don't know what they represent in heraldry. Sometimes people mistake gargoyles for griffins but to me gargoyles look like nasty little trolls.

do you think griffins are cool??? i do but just because of how buckbeak is!!!!!!!!! :angry:

Thnx MarkEvans for these information, i didn't know so much on the griffin. The griffin seems to be a very great and majesty animal.