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Griffin Facts & Worksheets

The griffin is a hybrid mythological creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, and sometimes eagle talons as front feet.

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Griffins are hybrid mythological creatures with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, and sometimes eagle talons as front feet. Griffins are a symbol of strength, courage, wisdom, and leadership.

See the fact file below for more information on Griffin or you can download our 26-page Griffin worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

  • During the middle ages, the griffin was considered a powerful and majestic animal. This is because it was a combination of the mighty lion, which is traditionally regarded as the king of the beasts, and the eagle, the king of the birds. Since classical times, griffins have been associated with safeguarding valuables and treasures due to their incredible strength and agility.
  • As noble creatures, they preyed on those who attempted to steal these valuables from where they were stored. 
  • According to legend, griffins lived along with other animals in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt around 3300 B.C.E. These monstrous creatures, with their mixed appearance of lion and an eagle, were depicted as treasure guardians who protected the gold and silver hidden in the mountains of Scythia,  northeastern Europe today.

ETYMOLOGY

  • The word griffin is believed to derive from different ancient words. In Greek, the word originates from the Latin term “gryps,” which means ‘curved’ or ‘hooked’ referring to its physical appearance. However, people from Persia claim that the term is derived from the Persian word “giriften,” meaning ‘to seize’ or ‘to grip.’ This etymology was based on the creature’s ability to take down any animal or human using its strength and physical attributes. Griffins are also called gryphons and griffons.

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Mythical lore tells us that griffins are half-lion, half-eagle creatures who possess the strength of both animals combined.
  • The griffin is revered as “the king of all creatures.” It is the perfect embodiment of that title: noble, menacing, and most importantly, devoted to its young. 
  • The griffin is, as you’ll reasonably assume, a pretty terrible foe. It could launch air attacks and had the strength of a lion.  According to ancient historians, this creature could take down giant animals like elephants and giraffes, making human invaders much easier prey. 
  • Griffins were often seen as loyal mythical guardians who were faithful in fulfilling their duty to protect the treasures they found and even the people they served. 
  • According to the ancient lore, the griffin’s powerful body also possessed magical abilities. The beast’s claws and feathers were claimed to have given blind people their sight back and were prized by alchemists and early physicians. 
  • It is also believed that by drinking from a goblet made from one of their eggs, a person could increase their lifespan or heal illnesses.

GRIFFINS IN MYTHOLOGY

  • In Iranian mythology, griffins are called Shirdal, which translates to “Lion-Eagle,” It has been depicted in art from the Iranian provinces of Susa and Luristan.
  • In Greco-Roman mythology, griffins were seen as loyal companions to the gods. Apollo, one of the Olympian sun gods, was believed to have had a chariot pulled by a griffin. 
  • The griffin was revered as a defender against evil, witchcraft, and slander during the Persian Empire. 
  • In some accounts, the griffin is portrayed as a ferocious animal that would fight to the death to defend its territory from evil and corruption.
  • Similar to the griffin, there are numerous hybrid mythical creatures. For instance, the Lamassu was a mythical Assyrian creature with an eagle’s wings, a lion’s or bull’s body, and the head of a man.
  • Garuda, a hybrid of a man and a bird, was the Hindu god Vishnu’s mount in the eastern hemisphere.
  • Sometimes griffins are seen as loving and protective parents that use their abilities to guard their young against predators that may threaten their vulnerability.
  • According to legend, another mythical creature called a hippogriff was the by-product of a griffin and a female horse. Some traditions see the hippogriff as a symbol of love, as its parents, the mare and griffin, are natural enemies.

SYMBOLISM

  • Power. During medieval times, griffins became a part of bestiary books in Europe. Through its majestic characteristics and features, the creature was highly regarded by the Christian church as a symbol of Christ. 
  • Strength and courage. Griffins are firmly established as Europe’s emblem for heraldry and nobility seals. Body armor and shields were often marked with griffins to signify a soldier’s fortitude and bravery. It also parallels their role as peacekeepers and protectors of the weak. 
  • Royalty and wealth. In ancient Egypt, many tombs were discovered to have griffin engravings, especially those belonging to the pharaohs and wealthy Egyptians. 
  • Protection. This is bound by the belief that griffins would protect the treasures buried with their bodies from graverobbers and greedy family members.
  • Loyalty. Due to its sacred depiction, people in the Middle Ages believed that Griffins only find one mate in their whole life, and when their partner died, they would continue the rest of their days alone, never looking for another one. 
  • Thus, griffins were used by the church as a symbol of the opposition to remarriage at that time.

IMPACT ON SOCIETY AND CULTURE

  • Ancient artwork frequently features the griffin as an ornament. The earliest known depiction of a griffin was on a bronze dish that the Sumerians had around 640 BCE. Additionally, Phidias sculpted griffins for the helmet of the tall statue of Athena that stood atop the Acropolis around 450 BCE.
  • Archaeologists on the Greek island of Crete have discovered griffin visuals in frescoes from the Throne Room of the Bronze Age Palace of Knossos, which dates to the 15th century BCE.
  • As evidenced by the frescoes and reliefs discovered at Knossos Palace in Crete, Griffin-like creatures can be found in Minoan art from 1500 BCE. 
  • In the military, it is used to signify power, bravery, and leadership. Griffins are engraved on their shields, flags, and patches since a combination of a lion and an eagle shows a potent blend of courage and intelligence.
  • In contemporary times, griffins remain an emblem of strength and nobility. For this reason, many groups and organizations use them as their mascots and in logos.
  • Griffins were included as fantasy casts in the movies Harry Potter, Narnia, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and the Percy Jackson series. 
  • Because of their unique abilities and charisma, griffins are often given essential roles in the film industry. 
  • They are also used as symbols to add depth to the storylines, and they are also good companions for developing antagonists. 
  • The great historian Herodotus described griffins as majestic animals that guard gold against thieves in his book Histories.
  • In Dante Alighieri‘s Divine Comedy, Dante, a pilgrim, encountered a chariot drawn by a griffin in Earthly Paradise. As he completes his journey through Hell and Purgatory with Virgil, he immediately meets up with Beatrice and they go to Paradise together.
  • Griffons and Arimaspians were mentioned in Greek and Roman literature concerning Central Asian gold deposits. The fact is that, according to Pliny, the Elder, “griffins were said to lay eggs in burrows on the ground, and these nests contained gold nuggets.”
  • Alexander the Great once played a role in a griffin-related legend where he was captured. He wanted to find a way out, so he starved them for three days. 
  • He tethered them to his throne and began to tease them by dangling pieces of roasted meat above their heads. The griffins flew him up to the heavens, where the gods set him free.

IMPACT ON SOCIETY AND CULTURE: ARCHITECTURE

  • In the architectural field, the griffin is usually depicted as a four-legged creature with wings and the head of an eagle; it has horns or the head and beak of an eagle.
  • Historically, griffin structures are used to manifest financial stability and safety among all who enter the establishment.
  • During the Byzantine period, griffins were a common mosaic design. The Eastern Roman Empire is well known for its Persian influences, which include the mythical griffin. The Western Roman Empire, modern-day Italy, France, Spain, and England were all influenced by Persian architecture.
  • As time passed, griffins remained one of the star features of grotesque sculptures on the walls, floors, and rooftops of Gothic cathedrals and castles during the Middle Ages. Today, people still uphold its emblem as the protector of architectural structures. That’s why it is often placed in entrances and rooms with valuable items. Over the years, it has also been an enduring symbol of wealth and productivity.

Griffin Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Griffins across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about the Griffin, which is a hybrid mythological creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, and sometimes eagle talons as front feet.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Griffin Facts 
  2. What’s My Name?
  3. The Lore Of The Griffin
  4. I Spy With My Mythical Eye
  5. Best Part
  6. Sort It Out
  7. G.R.I.F.F.I.N
  8. Mythical Jukebox
  9. Mythical Puzzle
  10. Mythical Explorer
  11. Griffin’s Nest

Frequently Asked Questions

What are griffins known for?

The griffin is a mythical creature that has been around for centuries. It is half-eagle, half-lion and is known for protecting gold and other precious items belonging to kings.

Are griffins good or evil?

Griffins have been around for a long time and are known for being able to keep treasures and possessions safe. They are also a powerful symbol of protection from all hostile forces, including evil spirits and malicious gossip. Because the griffin embodies both the divine and human aspects of life, it is often carved into churches to represent courage, leadership, and strength – values that have been highly prized for centuries.

Are griffins weak?

Fire is Griffin’s downfall; weapons and spells of fire can easily ground the beast. Once its wings catch fire, it cannot escape in flight.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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