Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Griffin, or Gryphon explained
This chapter describes the Griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, known for nesting in mountains of gold in India and guarding treasures from the one-eyed Arimaspians.
What happens
This chapter describes the Griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, known for nesting in mountains of gold in India and guarding treasures from the one-eyed Arimaspians. It includes a simile from Milton's Paradise Lost.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
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Follow the arc while readingKey passages
“The Griffin is a monster with the body of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle, and back covered with feathers.”
The Griffin is a hybrid creature combining a lion's body with an eagle's head, wings, and feathered back.
Describes the physical appearance of the Griffin.
“As when a Gryphon through the wilderness, With winged course, o'er hill and moory dale, Pursues the Arimaspian who by stealth Hath from his wakeful custody purloined His guarded gold”
Like a Griffin flying across wild landscapes to chase the Arimaspian who stole its gold.
Milton's simile from Paradise Lost illustrating the Griffin's role as a guardian of treasure.
