A griffin tattoo is a spectacular design that is more suitable for the male part of humanity. The images of an eagle and a lion are very often found in heraldry, sculpture, painting and symbolize the ideal combination physical strength and wisdom. What does a tattoo mean in a modern interpretation?
Who is a griffin
The griffin is a mythical winged creature, a hybrid of a lion and an eagle. According to one version, the name is translated from ancient Greek as “hook-nosed”; according to another, it is a modification of the word “griffoleon”. The first mentions of these creatures appeared in the 5th century BC. Herodotus wrote that they guarded gold in Asian countries, Aeschylus believed that griffins were the dogs of the almighty Zeus. By the way, India was considered the homeland of the creatures, so you can often see their images in ancient temples and on frescoes.
The griffin is a combination of the power of Heaven (eagle) and the power of Earth (lion), which symbolizes the struggle between good and evil, dark and light, animal and rational. In the Middle Ages, it was a positive image that personified the Savior. Later the meaning changed, and the griffin began to be considered a stealer of human souls and a persecutor of believers. It is noteworthy that in Greek mythology it was the instrument of retribution of the goddess Nemesis and symbolized pride and revenge. In the drawings you can often see Nemesis sitting in a chariot drawn by winged creatures.
The image of a griffin has often been used in heraldry since the Middle Ages. His image can be seen on the coat of arms of Kerch and on the coat of arms of the Romanov family; in the form of a sculpture it is found in Barcelona and decorates the customs building.
Options for tattoo designs
The main meaning of a griffin tattoo is power, power, nobility. The image of an eagle and a lion is more suitable for men and will give them courage and determination. The owner of a griffin tattoo is a generous, brave person, he knows how to stand up for himself and will not let his loved ones be offended. He calmly and calmly endures any test, never gives up or gives up. Wisdom and justice are the main traits of someone who has chosen such a tattoo.
The meaning of a tattoo may vary depending on the design and nature of the composition.
- The image of a griffin tormenting a victim speaks of the owner’s aggressiveness and desire to demonstrate his strength to others. Perhaps the person has not forgotten the grievances of the past, and this prevents him from moving on.
- A tattoo with a grinning griffin has a similar meaning. Typically, this sketch is chosen by people who need to think about how fair they are to themselves.
- The griffin, which stands on its hind legs, represents fearlessness and readiness for change. The owner of the tattoo does not want to put up with the current situation and is waiting for the right moment to start a new life.
- Sketches of a calm and non-aggressive creature have the most positive meaning. The tattoo indicates that a person is in harmony with himself and with the world around him.
Execution technique
A griffin tattoo looks impressive on a large scale on the chest or shoulder of men. Realism and engraving styles are ideal options in this case (see photo in the gallery), but you can choose sketches in other techniques to make the result original and unusual. A monochrome image can be made as close as possible to the original or schematic.
The classic sketch of a griffin tattoo is the head and wings of a golden color, and the body is red or beige. In this combination, the design is not only a beautiful decoration, but also a talisman that protects against troubles and ill-wishers. For girls, such a tattoo will give self-confidence. It can also be seen in people of military professions, regardless of gender.
Photos of griffin tattoos
Selection of sketches
Today we suggest finding out the meaning of a griffin tattoo. This is the name given to the legendary mythical animal with the wings and claws of an eagle, and the head and body of a lion. He is often represented as the ruler of the earth and air. The griffin can often be seen in Persian art. Thanks to such drawings, the Jews often compared the Persians with this creature.
For the Greeks, the griffin was the personification of firmness and was called nothing less than one of the most important animals. They believed that this creature was guarding the gold of the Hyperboreans somewhere in the far north. In addition, this amazing animal personified the goddess of revenge herself. In various legends, this creature symbolizes arrogance. According to one of the myths, Alexander the Great himself wanted to rise to the skies with the help of flying griffins.
In Christian symbolism, he was represented almost as the devil himself, who catches souls. However, it also has a positive meaning - the griffin is called the winner of snakes and basilisks, which are called the embodiment of demons. Interestingly, even the ascension of Jesus Christ is associated with the griffin. This creature was often depicted in heraldry and works of art. This special mythical creature combines the strength of a lion and the zeal of an eagle. They knew about the griffin back in ancient times. Coats of arms, various household items, as well as architectural monuments were often decorated with drawings of it. For residents of European countries, this creature had positive solar symbolism. The griffin was often contrasted with the symbols of evil and the night -.
Among the main qualities of a griffin are nobility, power, vigilance and revenge. For the people of Greece, he was a messenger of higher powers. Residents of Rus' preferred to decorate their homes with images of griffins.
What does a griffin tattoo mean?
A griffin tattoo can be seen on both male and female bodies. Such a body design signifies the duality of human nature - the eternal struggle between the light and dark sides.
Among the positive meanings of such a tattoo are courage, loyalty, protection of those who are weaker, and nobility. The negative symbolism of the tattoo is the desire for revenge. Whatever your goals, by getting such a tattoo, you are declaring your originality and noble origin. Such designs are made on different parts of the body, but most often on the back, chest and shoulders.
For some people, such a body image may seem aggressive. Such symbolism can be given to a tattoo if in the picture a griffin is tormenting some animal.
Meaning for women
Tattoos in the form of a griffin are not often chosen by the fair sex. For women, such a body pattern means:
- fight between two sides
- courage
- loyalty
- desire for revenge
- protection of the weak
- nobility
A tattoo with a griffin design will tell about the strong-willed character of its owner. A woman with such a body image is very generous, but does not like to endure insults and is ready to take revenge on all her offenders.
Also, a representative of the fair sex with a similar body pattern always wants to protect the weak.
In addition, such a body drawing can tell about the struggle between the light and dark sides of a woman.
Sometimes ladies choose griffin tattoos because of the originality of the image.
Meaning for men
Often a beautiful body pattern can be seen on a man’s body. This tattoo for men means:
- nobility
- desire for revenge
- willingness to protect those who are weaker
- courage
- fight between dark and light sides
A beautiful body design in the form of a griffin will tell about the generosity and fearlessness of its owner.
A man with such a body image is ready to protect the weak and at the same time will always take revenge on his offenders. A griffin tattoo can signify the internal struggle between the light and dark sides.
Sometimes men choose a body pattern with a griffin because of the originality of the design.
Which tattoo design should you choose?
There are many different options griffin tattoo Most often, men and women ask the master to do it. Such drawings are natural. They can be in color or black and white.
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, Griffons are often included in the coats 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. |
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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 "
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 go the way 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 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 the same as in ancient times. A mythical creature is endowed only positive qualities. That’s why the griffin tattoo 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.
