Fabeldieren met de kop en vleugels van een adelaar en het lijf van een leeuw, symbool voor de heerschappij over zowel hemel als aarde.Composite mythological creatures with the head and wings of a bird (usually that of an eagle) and the body and hind quarters of a lion. Was a favorite decorative motif in the ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean area, probably having originated in the Levant in the 2nd millennium BCE; the griffin had spread throughout western Asia and into Greece by the 14th century BCE. The Asiatic griffin had a crested head, whereas the Minoan and Greek griffin usually had a mane of spiral curls. It was shown either recumbent or seated on its haunches, often paired with the sphinx; its function was often protective. The Greeks believed griffins inhabited Scythia to keep jealous watch over the gold of that country.