What is a griffin? Mythologically, the griffin was a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle and has stood for a number of different things throughout history. As the lion was considered king of the beasts and the eagle was king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions.
Since the middle ages, the griffin has been used throughout western heraldry to symbolize strength and wisdom, and in a number of famous works (including Dante’s Christian allegories), the griffin has even symbolized Christ Himself. Being a union of a terrestrial beast and an aerial bird, Christendom borrowed the griffin as a symbol for Jesus, who was both human and divine. As such, griffins can be found sculpted on medieval-era churches throughout Europe.
We’ve given our griffin a name – Griff – and he symbolizes our aspiration to pursue, to love, and to guard treasure and priceless possessions like Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
(For an academic treatment of griffins, read this study by Aaron Taylor.)
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