Lesson 6 - Griffin & Hippogriff

Available: Feb 5
Due Date: Feb 25. Please try to hand in assignments before the due date. Due to time zones, while you may think you still have an hour left, in actuality the assignment may have closed 2 hours ago.

GRIFFIN (Can also be spelt Gryffin or Gryphon)- MoMC- XXXX

Originating in Greece, Griffins have the front legs and head of a large eagle. The body and the hind legs are that of a lion. Because the lion was considered the "King of Beasts" and the eagle was considered "King of the Air", Griffins were thought to be incredibly powerful and majestic. Griffins are often employed by wizards to guard treasure. They are fierce beasts, although a small group of skilled wizards have been known to be able to befriend them.

Griffins were said to have built nests- like eagles. But instead of laying eggs, they lay agates. Agates appear to be rocks to the untrained muggle eye- but they contain very powerful magic. There are different types of agate, and they come in different colours. In many traditions agate is believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes, soothe the mind, prevent contagion, still thunder and lightning, promote eloquence, secure the favour of the powerful, and bring victory over enemies.


Griffins, were often used in Medieval heraldry. Heraldic griffins were usually depicted rearing up, facing left, and standing on one hind leg with the other leg and the claws raised. This posture is described in the Norman-French language of heraldry as "segreant", which is a word uniquely applied to griffins, and is equivalent to the description of lions and other creatures in heraldry as "rampant". There are many myths that say it is impossible to tell a lie around a griffin. You are not forced to tell the truth; rather you will be unable to speak at all.



HIPPOGRIFF (or Hippogryff) - MoMC- XXX

Now found worldwide, the Hippogriff was originally native to Europe. It has the head of giant eagle and the body of a horse. Only experts should attempt to tame a hippogriff. Eye contact must always be maintained when approaching, and bow shows good intentions. If the hippogriff returns the greeting, then it is safe to move closer. They are omnivores as they usually eat insects, but will also eat plants, birds and small mammals.

Hippogriffs are the result of a griffin and a horse breeding together. They are rare beasts though because griffins despise horses. It has been suggested this idea was strong enough in medieval times to produce an expression, "to mate griffins with horses", which meant about the same as the modern expression, "When pigs fly". The hippogriff was therefore a symbol of impossibility and love. Like Griffins, Hipposgriffs also build nests. They are often on the ground and will lay a single large and fragile egg. The eggs hatch within 24 hours, and the baby hippogriff will even be flying withing a week! It does take some time for them to build up the strength and stamina though for long journeys.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippogriff

Please be sure to complete Assignment 1.