GriffinMachicote

**__Apearance__**
 * Griffin**

The Griffin, also known as the “Griffon” or “Gryphon” is depicted as what one may expect of a cross between a lion and an eagle. The griffin is a legendary mythological creature with the head, beak and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Sometimes, pictures of griffins show the beast having the tail of a serpent or scorpion. This creature had four legs and large claws.

**__ Origin __**

Although the origin of the griffin is unknown, many people seem to believe that the griffin has come from an area located around India.

**__ Importance __** The griffin may not appear in any stories as a main character, but it DOES have a niche. The griffin is said to have lived in the Scythian Mountains. These creatures had a very good sense for finding and protecting gold. While hunters would try to come and steal the gold from these mountains, they would have to get past the griffins first. Because griffins were very good at finding gold, their eggs were worth a great value.

**__ The Story __**

It has been said that a griffin pulled the chariot of Apollo, the sun god. This makes sense because the griffin was thought to have been stronger than any ox or horse. Apollo often also represented wisdom in the form of knowledge in any story that mentioned his name, which is also a characteristic of the griffin. Besides this example, legends and myths don’t exactly link to specific griffins. This means griffins are well-known in the general sense of being mythical creatures, yet, not specified. Although these creatures were thought to speak, there are no named griffins of importance to the Greek world. **__ Today’s References __** One of the biggest uses of the griffin in today’s world is in the popular movie/book series,” Harry Potter”. One of the main houses of “Hogwarts” is named Gryffindor. The symbol of this house is also a picture of a Griffin. The characters in Gryffindor show great pride and bravery. The Gryffindor house is always portrayed with optimistic qualities.

The Griffin has similar “look alike” appearance in the Harry Potter movies called the hippogriff. This animal is known to be the offspring of a griffin and a horse.

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The Griffon is also a popular ride at one of America’s many theme parks, “Busch Gardens” in Virginia. **__ References __** [] [] [] []