Griffin Yokai

**Griffin Yokai** is a creature who is half-eagle and half-lion.

## Physical Appearance

Griffins has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Most griffins also have bird-like talons, although in some older illustrations griffins have a lion's forelimbs (and are technically called *opinicus*), they generally only have a lion's hindquarters. The eagle's head is conventionally given prominent ears; these are sometimes described as the lion's ears but are often elongated (more like a horse's) and sometimes feathered.

Some griffins are born without wings. They're called an *alce* or a *keythong*.

## Description

Griffin Yokai are known for their nobility. They're very well-respected in the Hidden World. Being one of the most powerful Yokai. Wild Griffins usually live in very high places. Building communities high up from civilization below. Some Yokai can have wild griffins as pets or use them for transportation to get from one place to another.

## Abilities

Here are the abilities that the Griffin Yokai can have in their arsenal:

* Claw Retraction
* Decelerated Aging
* Enhanced Agility
* Enhanced Balance
* Enhanced Bite
* Feline Physiology
	+ Camouflage
	+ Climbing
	+ Enhanced Flexibility
	+ Enhanced Leap
	+ Enhanced Senses
	+ Enhanced Speed
	+ Enhanced Stealth
	+ Enhanced Strength
	+ Night Vision
* Raptor Physiology
	+ Avian Physiology
		- Aerial Adaptation
		- Atmospheric Adaptation
		- Enhanced Agility
		- Enhanced Balance
		- Enhanced Endurance
		- Enhanced Lung Capacity
		- Enhanced Senses
		- Enhanced Reflexes
		- Flight/Wing Manifestation
		- Hollow Skeleton
	+ Enhanced Vision
		- Telescopic Vision
	+ Environmental Adaptation
* Predator Instinct

## Pop Culture

Griffins have appeared in many forms of entertainment. American Dragon: Jake Long has an episode that focus on the Griffin. Halsemon, Hippogriffonmon, and Gryphonmon are based on the griffin. Buckbeak from Harry Potter is a white and blue griffin. Merv Griffin appeared in Hercules: The Animated Series. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has a race of griffins along with the hippogriffs.

## Variations

### Eagle Yokai

Eagle Yokai are one of the Bird Yokai variations as well as part of the Raptor Family. Being the symbol of America, the Eagle Yokai are very prideful about that fact. Eagle Yokai are hardworking individuals who are always there to help those in need.

### Lion Yokai

Lions are one of the big cats who are native to Africa. Known for their pride, the Lion Yokai are often called the King of the Jungle despite them not actually living in a jungle. They're very prideful and they love to brag about it at any chance they get. Thus coming off as being boisterous because of it. Lion Yokai are one of the strongest species of Yokai and they can take down a water buffalo and even a giraffe if they want to.

## Life in the Hidden World

Griffins usually live in high places that are far from the civilization below. The anthropomorphic kind are known for their pridefulness that stems from their noble status. Wild Griffins live in the tall buildings of New York or other big cities around the world. Building their nests in order to lay their eggs. They lay their eggs once every thousand years. Since Griffins only lay an egg for that long, they are considered to be some of the rarest creatures of the Hidden World. Because of their rarity, Griffin eggs are very valuable among Yokai, which can drive a lot of them out of their way just to get their hands on one. This can cause the Griffin mother to become very protective of its clutch and wary of others, good or bad. Griffins will build their nest on top of tall skyscrapers, such as the Empire State Building along with the Gargoyles.

## Symbolism

Eastern dragon and griffin symbolism are similar. The composite beast is a half bird and half animal, hence very sacred to the Chinese. Like the dragon, the griffin is a guardian animal.

It is called upon for wisdom, vengeance, and alertness to danger. In some parts of the Eastern world, the griffin has negative meanings. It can stand for chaos, danger, waste, infertility, and ruin.

Griffin symbol represents the air and the earth elements- since the eagle is in the air and the lion on the land. In China, there are 5 types of griffin symbols: the imperial griffin is depicted with 5 claws, whereas all others have 3.