2. Griffin
As with most mythical beasts, there are several different accounts of where the griffin originated from. Some accounts suggest the griffin was born in the Hyperborean mountains, others suggest Ethiopia, and still others name the Indian desert as its dwelling place, only leaving the desert to find food. The griffin is a four-footed animal with wings, it has the body of a lion and its head and wings are believed to be from an eagle.
The mixture of two noble animals led to the suggestion that the griffin was the king of all creatures. In most accounts, the griffin is the enemy of the horse, and the power of the griffin is legendary. It was said that a griffin could and would tear a man to pieces and then feed the pieces to its young. Griffins can carry away an ox in its talons.
The griffin’s role in medieval mythology was to guard treasure and also to extract gold from the ground. Some classical folklorists believe the griffin myth developed from the fossilized remains found in the gold mines of Central Asia.
The griffin, like the yale, also became prominent in heraldry. The griffin is used to indicate military courage, strength and leadership. The combination of the lion and the eagle also denote a combination of intelligence and strength.