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The RopenGriffins are much more complex and variable than generally assumed, but usually three variations are discussed (from last to first):
1. Scythian Griffin: This variant is the first to be introduced to the western world, based on the travel records of the Greek poet Aristeas (his original writings are lost for unknown reasons, so most of his works were described by other ancient authors). First described as a creature resembling a lion with the head and wings of an eagle, Greek and Roman art also gives them long pointed ears, cheek fur stylized in a way showing it's head and neck were covered in fur rather than feathers, and a fin-like mane going down its neck. The coloration here is based on Greek and roman pottery art and statues, which often shows them as pasty white with dull brown and blue on the wings peppered with dark specks.
2. Indian Griffin: Described by Ctesias in his Indica, his Griffin is only about the size of a wolf (which has a maximum shoulder height of 80-85cm) and predominantly black in color with a red underside. However in his On Animals, Aelian added that this type also had fiery eyes, dark blue necks, and white wings, with John Swans’ Speculum Mundi later saying its underside is purple instead of red.
3. Western Griffin: The variant commonplace in Medieval Europe thanks to the adopting of ancient Greek literature, and the most well known in modern fantasy media. For reasons unknown, it's lion-like forepaws were replaced with the talons of an eagle.
You can find the full list of sources I based these illustrations on here on my Deviantart gallery: https://www.deviantart.com/theropen/art/Griffins-of-the-World-914675991
2022-08-03 01:19:05 +0000