Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Griffin====== =====Introduction===== A [[Griffin]] is a powerful [[magical creature]] with the head and forelegs of a giant [[eagle]] and the body and hind legs of a [[lion]]. Native to Greece, they are known for their fierce nature and are often employed by [[wizards]] to guard treasure. The [[Griffin]] holds a significant symbolic connection to [[Gryffindor]] house at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. =====Description and Nature===== According to [[Newt Scamander]]'s //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//, the [[Griffin]] has the following characteristics: * **[[Ministry of Magic]] Classification:** XXXX (Dangerous / Requires specialist knowledge / May be handled only by a trained [[wizard]]). * **Appearance:** They possess the front half of a giant [[eagle]], including a sharp beak and powerful talons, and the rear half of a [[lion]], complete with a tail and muscular hind legs. * **Temperament:** [[Griffins]] are notoriously fierce and difficult to tame. However, a few skilled [[wizards]] have been known to befriend them. * **Diet:** Their diet consists of raw meat. =====Relationship with the Wizarding World===== Due to their strength and ferocity, the primary use for [[Griffins]] in the [[wizarding world]] is to guard treasure and valuable locations. It is for this reason that a griffin-shaped [[knocker]] was used to guard the entrance to the [[Headmaster's office]] at [[Hogwarts]]. The [[Griffin]] is famously associated with [[Godric Gryffindor]], one of the four founders of [[Hogwarts]]. His surname, [[Gryffindor]], is strongly believed to be derived from the creature. [[Griffins]] are also a subject of study in [[Care of Magical Creatures]] class. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] expressed a desire to teach his third-year students about them, though he was advised by [[Albus Dumbledore]] to start with less dangerous creatures. =====Known Appearances===== * **[[Headmaster's Office]] Guard:** A brass, griffin-shaped [[knocker]] served as the guardian to the [[Headmaster's office]] during the tenure of [[Albus Dumbledore]]. It would demand a password from anyone seeking entry and would only come to life and open the door when the correct one was spoken. This [[Griffin]] was seen by [[Harry Potter]] on numerous occasions throughout his time at [[Hogwarts]]. * **[[Care of Magical Creatures]] Curriculum:** [[Rubeus Hagrid]] mentions [[Griffins]] as a creature he would have liked to cover in his first lesson with [[Harry Potter]]'s class, along with [[Kappas]]. * **//[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]// (Textbook):** The [[Griffin]] is detailed in [[Newt Scamander]]'s famous textbook, providing most of the known information about the species. =====Etymology===== The word "griffin" (also spelled "gryphon") originates from the Greek "γρύψ" (grýps) and Latin "gryphus." The creature is a prominent figure in ancient mythologies, often symbolizing a combination of divine power (the [[eagle]]) and earthly royalty (the [[lion]]). The name of [[Gryffindor]] house is believed to be a play on "griffon d'or," which is French for "golden griffin." This is supported by the fact that the [[Gryffindor]] animal is a [[lion]] and its colours are scarlet and gold. (Pottermore) =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptation of ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'', the [[Griffin]] knocker is shown as a large, ornate brass sculpture that unfurls its wings to reveal the spiral staircase to [[Dumbledore]]'s office. (film) * A [[Griffin]] appears as an enemy creature in the PC version of the ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' video game. (video game)
