---
title: Griffin
description: Fabulous beast and symbol of strength and valor.
author:
  name: Graciela Paula Caldeiro
  url: http://graciela-caldeiro.idoneos.com
canonical: https://mitosyleyendas.idoneos.com/en/bestiario_mitologico/grifo/
source: en/bestiario_mitologico/grifo/index.md
---

<figure class="commons-illustration" data-commons-id="42610941">
  <img src="/bestiario_mitologico/grifo/resources/commons-grifo-42610941.jpg" width="1599" height="658" alt="A winged griffin with the body of a lion and the head of a bird facing a rider, in a medieval miniature." loading="lazy" decoding="async">
  <figcaption>Griffin. Anonymous, Rochester Bestiary (13th century), British Library, Royal MS 12 F XIII.<br>Source: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RochesterBestiary_detail_Griffin.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wikimedia Commons</a>. Public domain.</figcaption>
</figure>


<h2 id="grifo">Griffin</h2>

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.