Of their strength, it has been written that Gryphons have plucked men and horses into the air and carried them off in their great talons. It has also been said that, "�they get the better of elephants and dragons�"
As symbols of strength and vigilance, they are depicted in ancient art, drawing the chariots of Apollo and Zeus, as well as Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance. Referred to as the 'avenging bird' of Nemesis, they are her instruments in providing retribution for mortals.
Gryphons are notorious for their love of gold. They have a natural instinct to find buried gold and other treasures and to guard their hordes endlessly from humans and other beings that would steal it. In Greek mythology, they are referred to as the 'hounds' of Zeus that guarded the Arimaspias, a stream that flowed with gold.
Often associated with the sun, Gryphons came from the Far East, where the Sun Rises. Gold, which they dearly love, is also a symbol of the sun.
As to their magical qualities, it was believed in medieval times that a Gryphon's feather could cure blindness, and that a poisoned drink would change color if served in a cup made from a Gryphon's claw. Only a holy man could acquire a claw, as repayment by a grateful Gryphon for being healed of an illness. An alchemist named Magnus wrote, "The stories also tell that griffins deposit agates in their nests because of the agate's special beneficial properties."
All of the aforementioned characteristics are just part of what makes the Gryphon the noble, fierce and fabulous creature that it is.
