Griffin

Official artwork of church griffin and South American Flamboyant Griffin

## Reference

**Griffins** are a etymological family of cryptid that first appear in Half-Off Ragnarok. They have many subtypes; this article is primarily about the **lesser griffins** and their subspecies.

## Appendix Entry

**Church Griffin** (*Gryps vegrandis corax*). A subspecies of Lesser Griffin, these small, predatory creatures resemble a cross between a raven and a Maine Coon cat. They are highly intelligent, which makes them good, if troublesome, companions. They enjoy the company of humans, if only because humans are so much fun to mess with.

## Types of Griffins

* **Greater griffin**, which are "large" and "imposing."
* **Lesser griffin,** the most common member of the griffin family, with more than twenty species recorded worldwide. At least four species have established wild populations in North America after escaping captivity. At least eight species have been hunted to extinction.
	+ **Carrion Griffin** *(Gryps vegrandis fulvus).* The largest known lesser griffin. Scientific name refers to a tawny-orangish color.
	+ **Church Griffin** *(Gryps vegrandis corax)* a subspecies of lesser griffin. Scientific name means crow/raven. Approximately the size of a Main Coon. Described as having "the forepart of a raven, the hindpart of a great shaggy cat, and the mind of an imp from the deepest parts of hell,"
	+ **Flower Griffin** *(Gryps vegrandis blodeu),* a subspecies of lesser griffin. Scientific name means flower.
	+ **Petite Griffin** *(Gryps vegrandis microgryps).* The smallest known lesser griffin. Scientific name refers to being "miniscule" even within the "diminutive" subtype.
	+ **South American Flamboyant Griffin** *(Gryps vegrandis tricolor)*. A subspecies of lesser griffin. Scientific name refers to the red, blue, and brown coloring. Described as having "the front of a macaw, the back of a spotted cat, and the mind of an imp from the deepest parts of hell."

## About

### Physiology

All griffins are mammalian despite their birdlike components. Their bones and muscles resemble that of small-to-medium felines, and their feathers are similar (if not quite the same as) that of birds. Most species of griffin have furred ears that blend into feathers when they join with the head.

While they vary by subspecies, all lesser griffins have the approximate head, chest, and forepaws of a bird, and hindparts of a feline. Most are the approximate size of a corgi or garinna, although they can be as small as six inches in length and as large as a Saint Bernard.

### Behavior

Lesser griffins are smarter even than ravens or macaws. Once trust has been built with a lesser griffin, they become fierce and loyal companions. Some species, including the church griffin, can learn basic human speech in the manner of a crow or raven. Lesser griffins kept as companions will get into the type of mischief common in more curious parrots, such as opening locks and turning on electronic appliances.

Lesser griffins mate for life in pairs or groups of three. A mated lesser griffin separated from his or her partner(s) will often pine and die. They lay up to three eggs, though not all will hatch, and the eggs incubate for three to four months. Kits are born without adult feathers or the ability to fly, and will remain with their parents for up to a year.

Diet varies by species. Lesser griffins are primarily carnivores and scavengers, although some are inclined to hunt for their prey. Some species also enjoy fruit, nuts, and grains.

Some lesser griffin species are solitary by nature, while others live in flocks. Their manner of hunting also varies by species. Mated pairs and triads tend to hunt together.

## Trivia

* The scientific name of flower griffins *(Gryps vegrandis blodeu)* may refer to Blodeuwedd of Welsh mythology, who is also linked to the Blodynbryd of McGuire's October Daye series.

## In Popular Culture

The **griffin**, **griffon**, or **gryphon** (Ancient Greek: γρύψ, *grū́ps*; Classical Latin: *grȳps* or *grȳpus*; Late and Medieval Latin: *gryphes*, *grypho* etc.; Old French: *griffon*) is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an eagle's talons as its front feet. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, by the Middle Ages, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Since classical antiquity, griffins were known for guarding treasures and priceless possessions.

## See Also

* Garrinna, often considered the griffin's Australian counterpart
* Caladrius, who share the griffin's tendency to merge mammalian and avian characteristics
* Cactus Cats, another feline-like cryptid

## References

1. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Thaumasios/Grypes.html#:~:text=THE%20GRYPS%20(Griffin)%20was%20a,battled%20them%20for%20these%20riches.
2. ↑ Appendix Field Guide: Books 3, 4
3. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulvous
4. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/-corax
5. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blodeuwedd
6. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/micro
7. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant\_dog\_breed
8. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin