In heraldry, the griffin is one of the most powerful mythical creatures, combining the body, hindquarters, and strength of a lion with the head, wings, and talons of an eagle. Because the lion was traditionally seen as king of beasts and the eagle as king of birds, the griffin unites authority over earth and sky. Its usual symbolic meanings are courage, vigilance, guardianship, military strength, and noble authority. Medieval writers also treated the griffin as a fierce protector of treasure, which made it an ideal emblem for watchful defense and guardianship of inherited honor. Useful background can be found in the Parker Glossary of Heraldry entry for griffin and in the heraldic animal resources of The Heraldry Society.

The griffin has long been favored by families, cities, and institutions that wished to project disciplined power and alert command. In English heraldry it appears widely as a charge, crest, and supporter, often in the form of a griffin segreant, the heraldic posture equivalent to rampant for winged beasts. The City of London is famously associated with dragon-like supporters, but griffins also appear throughout civic and corporate heraldry as guardians of trade, law, and public authority. The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn uses a griffin in its arms, reflecting dignity, learning, and legal tradition. Institutional examples and heraldic context may be explored through Gray’s Inn and the College of Arms.

As a heraldic device, the griffin may be shown segreant, passant, statant, couchant, or as a head, wing, or demi-griffin in a crest. Its eagle parts can emphasize vision, speed, and celestial aspiration, while its lion parts convey courage, sovereignty, and physical strength. In military arms it may suggest relentless protection and readiness to strike; in civic arms, watchfulness over a community; in family arms, high spirit and proud descent. The griffin’s enduring appeal lies in this fusion of meanings. It is not merely decorative fantasy, but a compact heraldic image of intelligence, force, nobility, and guardianship, making it one of the most commanding figures in the armorial imagination.