# The Griffin, or Gryphon explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-griffin-or-gryphon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters