Griffins and Hippogriffs are relative creatures, for their looks are very much the same. They are both majestic beasts that have similar characteristics, including the head and the body.
Griffins
Myth of Origin: In ancient times, three legendary creatures met in full-fledged combat above the world's skies: the dragon, the chimera, and the griffin. For some time, the dragon and chimera fought in vain, blasting columns of fire or using multiple heads to become invulnerable. At last, after observing the fight for awhile, the griffin engaged in the battle. When he joined the conflict, he had added knowledge of each creature's weaknesses. Using his strong intellect, the griffin led the mindless dragon to the murky depths of the ocean, which is where its fire was extinguished. Using his wits, the griffin plunged down into the earth, burrowed a tunnel, and appeared behind the chimera's peripheral vision. The chimera was stunned by the griffin's sudden appearance, leaving it vulnerable to attack. The griffin, even though it was smaller in size and weaker than its foes, proved that intelligence is a true weapon in battle.
Description: A griffin is most popularly described as a hodgepodge of two noble beasts: a lion and an eagle. The eagle's head and beak sits atop the muscular body of a lion. Griffins have long bird-like talons in the front, and the claws of a lion on their back paws.
Connection To Medieval Life: Images of griffins could be found mainly through art. They are represented through heraldry, sculptures, and mosaics. Griffins are also an important part of early literature.
Description: A griffin is most popularly described as a hodgepodge of two noble beasts: a lion and an eagle. The eagle's head and beak sits atop the muscular body of a lion. Griffins have long bird-like talons in the front, and the claws of a lion on their back paws.
Connection To Medieval Life: Images of griffins could be found mainly through art. They are represented through heraldry, sculptures, and mosaics. Griffins are also an important part of early literature.
Hippogriffs
Origin: Hippogriffs are the outcome of the breeding of a male griffin and a female horse. In some legends, it is said that Charlemagne, King of the Franks, used a hippogriff as a mount for some of his knights.
Description: Being half of a griffin and half of a horse, the hippogriff shares both of these inherited traits. It has the torso, wings, and head of an eagle. The back part of a hippogriff, including the back portion of the body and the hind legs, consists of a horse's traits.
Behavior and Mood: Hippogriffs are much easier to tame than griffins. Hippogriffs are far more friendly than their relatives. For this reason, in Medieval legends, Hippogriffs are usually the pets of knights and sorcerers. They make excellent steeds, for they are loyal to their owners and are able to fly as fast as lighting.
Description: Being half of a griffin and half of a horse, the hippogriff shares both of these inherited traits. It has the torso, wings, and head of an eagle. The back part of a hippogriff, including the back portion of the body and the hind legs, consists of a horse's traits.
Behavior and Mood: Hippogriffs are much easier to tame than griffins. Hippogriffs are far more friendly than their relatives. For this reason, in Medieval legends, Hippogriffs are usually the pets of knights and sorcerers. They make excellent steeds, for they are loyal to their owners and are able to fly as fast as lighting.
