Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Griffin, or Gryphon explained
This chapter describes the Griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, known for nesting in mountains of gold in India and guarding treasures from the one-eyed Arimaspians.
What happens
This chapter describes the Griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, known for nesting in mountains of gold in India and guarding treasures from the one-eyed Arimaspians. It includes a simile from Milton's Paradise Lost.
Key passages
“The Griffin is a monster with the body of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle, and back covered with feathers.”
The Griffin is a hybrid creature combining a lion's body with an eagle's head, wings, and feathered back.
Describes the physical appearance of the Griffin.
“As when a Gryphon through the wilderness, With winged course, o'er hill and moory dale, Pursues the Arimaspian who by stealth Hath from his wakeful custody purloined His guarded gold”
Like a Griffin flying across wild landscapes to chase the Arimaspian who stole its gold.
Milton's simile from Paradise Lost illustrating the Griffin's role as a guardian of treasure.