The fictional creature, in which the strength of a lion and the speed of an eagle merged into one, was widespread many centuries ago. During the Middle Ages, griffins enjoyed ambiguous fame: on the one hand, they were endowed with demonic powers, but at the same time, preachers of Christianity equated this image with Christ. It was believed that Christ, like a lion, reigned on earth and, like an eagle, ascended to heaven.

Often this animal has the appearance of a lion, endowed with eagle wings and a head. This image of him in ancient times was called griffoleon. The name "griffin" known today was formed from a slightly different creature, combining the appearance of an eagle and a donkey. However, today griffins are depicted exclusively with the body of a lion, and the name "griffoleon" has been changed to "griffin".

The guys

Initially, a griffin tattoo belongs to the category of men’s tattoos and carries a pronounced symbolic meaning. In ancient times, griffins were called “dogs of Zeus”, and people believed that they were treasure keeper. Quite often, this fictional creature, as a guard and patron, was depicted on both sides of the Tree of Life. Therefore, a tattoo of a griffin that kills a snake or dragon carries a positive meaning.

In addition, the griffin also served as a symbol of military service, bravery and courage, which is why images of a griffin standing on its hind legs are often found. This griffin tattoo symbolizes readiness for battle and unwillingness to put up with current circumstances.

The griffin combines the dualistic forces of nature: the lion's body denotes the earthly principle, and the eagle's head and wings - the heavenly. This interweaving of the earthly and heavenly has the meaning of an ideal combination of physical strength and intellect.

For girls

Obviously, the majority of customers for tattoos depicting a griffin are representatives of the stronger sex, often from male professions. However, these can also be women with a strong-willed, strong character. Here the meaning of the tattoo will be somewhat different from the male interpretation of the griffin.

A woman's griffin tattoo represents truth, righteousness, nobility, as well as the limitless power of love..

Today, Christianity does not endow the griffin with positive attributes, as in the Middle Ages. It is believed that this image symbolizes the vengeful force that lives in every person. Also, according to the Christian worldview, a griffin can create various obstacles for a person.

In Greek mythology, the goddess Nemesis used griffins as an instrument of retribution. So often in the lower classes of society, the griffin tattoo has a clear interpretation - revenge.

A tattoo with the image of a griffin suits many styles, because the image of this mythical creature carries a symbolic meaning and looks quite impressive. This can be a three-dimensional realistic picture, made in color, or a stylized silhouette.

It is necessary to pay special attention to the color scheme of the griffin, because it also carries a specific meaning. Most often, the eagle (heavenly) part is painted golden, and the lion, that is, earthly, has the color of flesh.

A griffin of bright red color with golden wings and head embodies a protector, patron and adviser, symbolizing earthly and heavenly unity.

Thus, despite the large number of meanings and meanings that are attributed to the image of a griffin, it becomes clear that, in any case, a griffin is a noble animal, personifying protection, justice and strength, therefore a tattoo with its image is the bearer of the most positive qualities: meaning - power, truth and love. Such a tattoo should be chosen by strong-willed, persistent people, because the griffin will become the patron only of those who always achieve their goals, despite any obstacles and obstacles. This is the meaning of the tattoo.

As you know, before you decorate your body with this or that tattoo, you should first find out its meaning. Currently, the popularity of mystical tattoos is gaining momentum. Today we will talk about griffins.

Mystical creature

Many mythological creatures are a symbiosis of several animals. Griffins are no exception. It has the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. A mandatory attribute of a griffin is wings, symbolizing dominance over heaven and earth.

Mentions of griffins appeared in the 5th-6th centuries BC. Then they stood guard over Indian gold and personified the guardians of the sun, justice and the tree of life. The ancient Greeks believed that griffins were creatures that warned of danger and symbolized vigilance and insight.

Any historical references and descriptions come down to a common opinion that griffins were idolized and worshiped. These creatures were considered stronger than ordinary animals, offerings were made to them, and statues of gold were built. During the Middle Ages, griffins were frequent “guests” on flags and coats of arms. The symbiosis of a strong lion and a vigilant eagle personified courage, honor, valor and courage.

True warrior tattoo

The meanings that the Griffin tattoo has are numerous. As the masters say, in a particular case, each person chooses for himself exactly the idea and meaning that are close in spirit, faith and heart.

If you follow the path of ancient Greek legends, then the meaning of the Griffin tattoo will also be different. According to legend, for the goddess Athena these creatures symbolized wisdom and hidden possibilities, for Nemesis - justice and retribution. Griffins guarded Zeus and helped Apollo in battles.

Very often, people in military specialties get a “Griffin” tattoo. The meaning of the picture in this case will be reduced to two words “guard” and “strength”. Such a tattoo will perfectly symbolize a true warrior. She will tell others that her owner is dexterous and brave, like a real lion, and has a keen eye, like a steppe eagle.

Many scientists argue that griffins were also a symbol of wisdom and great mental strength. In this case, traders, workers of science and art can also pay attention to the “Griffins” tattoo.

Protective amulet

In Slavic mythology, griffins were creatures that stood in defense of good, protecting them from evil. The Griffin tattoo also means “victory of the living over the dead.” Many people apply their images to their bodies in order to use the drawing as a protective amulet. According to legend, griffins are loyal creatures that always protect their master, friend, and comrade-in-arms in battle.

When choosing a tattoo, you should decide not only its size, but also the location of application. If your choice fell on the Griffin tattoo, photos of samples will be a good help. As a rule, such designs are voluminous and are applied to the forearm, back, and chest. It can be black and white or colored with bright splashes of red, yellow and gold. It is this color scheme that is capable of conveying the incredible strength, heroic courage and great mind of griffins.

The griffin is a creature from myths and legends that combines the strength of two animals; images of an animal with a lion’s body and the head and wings of an eagle were found quite often, both in architecture and in painting. Initially, griffins were credited with such qualities as: strength, nobility, courage, arrogance. However, different cultures treated the mythical creature differently.

Symbolism of a griffin tattoo

Thus, the Ancient Greeks perceived griffins as messengers of the gods, endowing them with only positive qualities. In Christianity, the appearance of a mythical animal was equated with a demonic one. However, it was in Christianity that the griffin was associated with Jesus Christ, who reigned on earth like a lion and ascended to heaven like an eagle.

Most often, tattoos with a mythical animal are found on men. Usually, a griffin tattoo reflects a combination of physical and spiritual qualities of a person - strength and intelligence. Owners of this kind of tattoos have very tough, strong-willed characters. By putting an image of a mythical creature on their body, both men and women invest in them not only positive meaning, such as nobility, patronage, fidelity; a griffin tattoo can also tell about the desire for retribution in its owner.

The griffin is depicted mainly on the forearm and chest, as a kind of heraldic symbol. A person wearing a tattoo with the image of a griffin is distinguished by courage, determination, bravery, the ability to stand up not only for himself, but also to protect the weak; he perceives all hardships and hardships calmly and with great dignity. The style and composition of the drawing will help determine the exact interpretation.

A griffin, depicted with a victim in its teeth, speaks of an aggressive attitude, a demonstration of its strength, as well as a thirst for revenge. The image of a griffin’s grin is given the same meaning. A warlike creature standing on its hind legs symbolizes readiness for battle and unwillingness to put up with the current situation. Only the image of a calm, peaceful animal carries a positive meaning, speaking of harmony within the owner of the tattoo.

The meaning of a griffin tattoo can be interpreted in different ways, but the strength, courage and justice of the creature remains unchanged. However, it is worth remembering that a mythical animal can only give protection to people with a strong-willed character who always achieve their goals.

With the head, wings and talons of an eagle, the Griffin falls into the same category of mythical creatures as Fairies, Dragons and the Minotaur. Folklore associated with griffins dates back to ancient Egypt and Persia, but is most often associated with the ancient Greeks. Be sure to add our correct website to your bookmarks, because we provide you with a lot of useful information.

In medieval Europe Griffin became a Christian symbol of the Church's ideals in marriage. According to legend, Griffins formed lifelong relationships, and in the event of the death of a partner, the surviving griffin never looked for another family member. This creature was also used to represent Jesus. It is a hybrid of two natural elements " Air"(Eagle) and " Earth"(Leo), therefore many medieval Christians believed that the Griffins represented both the Divine and the Mortal.
Before you continue, I should encourage you to check out a couple of my new tattoo related posts. For example, what does Footprint Tattoo mean? what does Fairy Tattoo mean? how to understand Dolphin Tattoo; meaning of Cat Tattoo, etc.
So let's continue meaning of griffin tattoo?

Mention of this creature was first made by a famous 13th century Italian poet Dante, and was probably the reason for the presence of Griffins on countless tombstones in Europe. The creature's association with Christianity and Divinity means that they are considered protectors of the dead.

Griffin is also a symbol of aristocracy, as it is a mixture of two animals that are considered noble: Leo ( King of the Jungle) and Eagle ( King of the Air). As such, Griffins are often included in the coat of arms and family insignia of European bloodlines that have a rich history. The Romans often associated these mythical creatures with the sun god Apollo, and in their folklore the Griffin personified Strength and Dominance. The Griffin is as fire-breathing as the Sun, and as such, is a creature to be feared and respected.

Meaning of Griffin tattoo

Griffin Tattoo designs embody various meanings, most of which are associated with a dominant being, personifying the alpha male. These include:

• Protection
• Aristocracy
• Honor
• Intelligence
• Strength and Power

Variations of the Griffin tattoo

Griffin tattoos are relatively uncommon and don't change much when it comes to their design. Most tattoos are associated with Apollo and contain fire elements. The griffin is shown either breathing fire (such as a dragon) or a solar disk, and is usually depicted in the position of a ruler. In fact, people with Griffin Tattoo- These are born leaders related to the management apparatus. They will not be submissive, and will not allow themselves to be mocked because they personify themselves with the powerful Griffin.

When choosing the right Griffin tattoo design, you should focus on what the figure symbolizes and where you want to place it on your body. Whether you combine this sketch with other elements or leave it alone is up to you? To find the right inspiration, go to the "

The griffin is the most mysterious mythical creature with which many legends are associated. The griffin has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. A powerful, beautiful animal that has interested people for a long time.

The griffin has long been considered the patron saint of merchants, moneylenders and other people associated with trade. Now, of course, he patronizes businessmen. According to one of the many legends, the griffin knew how to find gold, and when he found it, hide it from prying eyes.

The griffin was also considered the standard of strength, power, wisdom, courage and justice, because it is not for nothing that this creature combines two kings - birds and animals. Therefore, the griffin has long been chosen as the patron of the guilds of scientists and alchemists.

But Christians have stopped attributing good qualities to this animal. The Church endowed him with bloodthirstiness, vindictiveness and rancor. Therefore, the attitude towards him in Christian countries was rather negative.

Despite the fact that Greece is a Christian country, the Greeks were the first to abandon such an opinion. They considered this creature to be the messenger of the Gods and the guardian of the “tree of life.”

Meaning of a griffin tattoo

As usual, Christian beliefs played a big role, and therefore people now believe what they did in ancient times. The mythical creature is endowed with only positive qualities. Therefore, a tattoo with a griffin in the modern world means:

• courage and bravery;
• strength and nobility;
• greatness and justice.

Most often, a griffin is depicted on its hind legs with spread wings. But sometimes, remembering legends, this creature is drawn near the “tree of life.” This tattoo has a broader meaning than just a griffin.

Such drawings are preferred by brave, courageous young people, athletes, and fighters. It means that a person is not afraid to fight for a just cause and will not back down under any circumstances.

How to choose a griffin tattoo

You should choose such a tattoo based on your character traits. To ignorant people, such a drawing will seem simply beautiful and unusual, but those who understand the meaning of the image will have to answer. And if you do not have a sufficiently persistent and strong character, then you should not ask the artist for such a tattoo. It's better to choose something simpler.