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Switzerland: A griffin represented on a fragment of the Minneteppich or 'Love Tapestry', Basel, c. 1450

Switzerland: A griffin represented on a fragment of the Minneteppich or 'Love Tapestry', Basel, c. 1450

The griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle's talons as its front feet. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature.

The griffin was also thought of as king of the creatures. Griffins are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions. In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine.

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