A winged griffin with the body of a lion and the head of a bird facing a rider, in a medieval miniature.
Griffin. Anonymous, Rochester Bestiary (13th century), British Library, Royal MS 12 F XIII.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Griffin

Griffins (also known as griffon and gryphon) are fabulous creatures common to both Eastern and Western traditions. They frequently appear depicted on tapestries and jewelry.

In coats of arms, the griffin typically appears in a rampant position with one of its claws raised, serving as a symbol of strength and courage.

In the medieval bestiaries of the West, the Griffin is described as a winged four-legged animal with the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle. It is considered the mortal enemy of the horse and capable of tearing a man into small pieces and carrying him to its nest to feed its young. Other versions attribute to it crests with fish fins and horse ears.