Hello! I am a griffin and no, my name is not "Merv" it's Heraldry.  What's a griffin, you ask? It's a mythical creature that is a cross between a lion and an eagle (ok, so my dad was really short sighted.)  Parts of me are feline (like my ears) and parts of me are avian (like my wings) and parts of me are a little from column a, and a little from column b, like my tail, or my nose!

The design of Heraldry began at the standard griffin and then progressed from there.  I "bled" the feline and avian aspects together more than the "grafted" style one sees typically in greek myth, using that as a basis.  For example, the griffin's back talons match his fore, and his nose is a mingled beak/snout.  For his ears, I wasn't sure to use the wolf style seen in many a drawing, or the backswept style, which I later developed.  The tail in particular is interesting.  In drawings, a lion's tail is standard - I did do a long tail, but I also gave it feathers, so it would be aerodynamic.

Griffins were much prized throughout the ages, and you'll hear us discussed in ancient greek myths, in the science of heraldry (where I take my name) and even Christianity!  People have used us to symbolize the union of Heaven and Earth at times, and at times we're used just as guardians for gold.  Well, it's true we do have a nose for gold.  How bout that, a monster that can accessorize!  Even pegasi don't do that.

When I came to do the research for the mythical griffin -- I always like to go back to the myths, I found it very difficult. Typically, beasties and monsters come from one obvious source and are then adapted to many others.  The griffin is one of the only monsters I have ever seen adopted into a christian mythos.  It symbolized Christ in the earlier christian works, which is pretty amazing for a mostly human pantheon.

Griffins have been prized by many a hero because we make loyal mounts that can fly, and we're great conversationalists, too.  Here you see me with the hero Sailor Moon who's no doubt looking for transportation to her nearest Cloud-9. 

Ok, so Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon is not exactly a greek hero, but she does go very well with Heraldry.  This picture was taken in the full beam of sunlight, something else which Heraldry seems to take to very well, though I'm still unhappy about the eyes.  Oh well.. more to do.

I'll be back later with more about griffins and my adventures in your heady little world.  CIAO for now, and keep watching the skies!

Heraldry was very satisfying as a result, far more beautiful than I ever dreamed he would be, but he has yet to win an award or have much in the way of adventures.  When he does, I'll update the page.  So far, I don't really have even any pictures I really like of him! :)