The white griffin holds a special place in our hearts, as it graces our banner. This mystical creature symbolizes the forgotten mysteries of our past, drawing inspiration from the once-great Tartarian Empire, which used the black griffin on their flag as a symbol of strength and endurance. As the Tartarian griffin fell to the knights of the old realm, we have embraced the white griffin as a beacon for reviving the hidden knowledge of the past.
The Origins of the White Griffin
The white griffin, though less commonly depicted than its traditional counterpart, emerged in various cultures as a symbol of higher spiritual virtues such as purity, divine protection, and enlightenment. In ancient mythology, the colour white often symbolized sacredness and incorruptibility. This is evident in many cultures, where white animals were revered as divine messengers or protectors. The Greeks and Romans, for instance, believed that white animals were sacred to the gods, and the white griffin could be seen as a natural extension of this belief, embodying both the earthly power of the lion and the celestial nature of the eagle in its purest form.
Medieval bestiaries, which were compendiums of animal lore that combined natural history with allegory, occasionally mentioned white griffins as rare and extraordinary creatures. These texts often linked the white griffin to themes of divine favour and noble virtue, suggesting that it was a guardian of the righteous and a symbol of purity in a world filled with corruption.
The Origins of the Griffin
Griffins have long been revered in ancient mythologies, blending the strength of a lion with the majesty of an eagle. According to the first-century geographer Pomponius Mela, they were believed to inhabit the Riphean Mountains of northern Eurasia, while other sources placed them near gold-rich areas of India, where they guarded precious resources and fought off the one-eyed Arimaspians. In Greek mythology, griffins were protectors of hidden treasures at the edges of the known world, symbolizing vigilance and guardianship.
The Etymology and Types of Griffins
Photograph by Paul E Williams from Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
The term “Griffin” (Greek γρύψ, grýps) may derive from the Greek word γρυπός (grypós), meaning “hooked” or “curved.” Some scholars also link it to the Akkadian word karūbu (“blessing”) or the Hebrew krvḇ (“cherub”), suggesting the creature’s divine and protective nature.
Interestingly, there isn’t just one type of griffin. In fact, during our research for this article, we’ve identified six different types, each with its own unique attributes and symbolic meanings, adding depth to their mythological significance.
Traditional Griffin: Lion’s body with an eagle’s head and wings.
Hippogriff: Combination of eagle and horse, symbolizing unity and harmony.
Sea Griffin: Lion-eagle hybrid with a fish or mermaid tail, associated with water and mystery.
Wingless Griffin (Keythong): No wings, covered in spikes, representing grounded strength.
Cockatrice Griffin: Griffin with a cockatrice’s features and serpent tail, embodying transformation and danger.
Dog Griffin: Merging a dog’s body with an eagle’s head and wings, symbolizing loyalty and protection.
The Unique Abilities and Appearance of Griffins
For the most part, griffins were depicted as powerful creatures with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Aeschylus, an ancient Greek playwright, described them as “the sharp-beaked hounds of Zeus.” Indian griffins were particularly notable for their vivid coloration—black, red, blue, and white—and were considered sacred to Helios, the Sun God.
Philostratus, in his Life of Apollonius of Tyana, describes their unique abilities:
“They are held in veneration as being sacred to the Sun, and the Indian artists, when they represent the Sun, yoke four of them abreast to draw the images. Resembling lions in size and strength, they held a unique advantage with their wings, enabling them to overpower even formidable creatures like elephants and dragons. But their flight abilities were limited—more like birds with short bursts of flight rather than true fliers. Their webbed feet, equipped with red membranes, allowed them to make brief aerial maneuvers and engage in combat mid-air. Despite their power, tigers remained beyond their reach, as no creature could match the tiger’s speed, which was said to rival the wind itself.”
This vivid portrayal highlights not only their physical prowess but also their revered status as sacred creatures. Despite their formidable strength, their flight was limited, and they could not match the speed of the tiger, illustrating the natural balance of power and limitations even among the strongest of beings.
The Symbolic Role of the White Griffin
The white griffin, unlike its common counterparts, has been a symbol of purity, nobility, and divine favor throughout history. In medieval lore, it was seen as a creature of exceptional power and virtue, often guiding kings and heroes on their quests. Its distinct white coloration added layers of meaning, representing divine guidance and noble intent. According to the old texts, the white griffin was even believed to embody God’s Will, reinforcing its status as a sacred guardian and protector.
During our research, we identified over 53 coats of arms featuring griffins as their chosen emblem, with five specifically showcasing a white griffin:
- Ainaži, Latvia
- Republic of Crimea, Russia
- Dębica, Poland
- Gréasque, France
- Belz Voivodeship, Kingdom of Poland
Although some of these regions have since changed their emblem to an eagle, they originally proudly displayed the beloved white griffin.
The Battle with the Arimaspians
Capital with two griffons, on the right of the portal.
One of the earliest references to griffins comes from Herodotus and Aristeas of Proconnesus, who wrote about the griffins’ ongoing battle with the Arimaspians, a race of one-eyed people who coveted the gold the griffins guarded. Pliny the Elder, in his encyclopedic work Natural History, provides a detailed account of this legendary conflict:
“Many authorities, the most distinguished being Herodotus and Aristeas of Proconnesus, write that these people wage continual war around their mines with the Griffins, a kind of wild beast with wings, as commonly reported, that digs gold out of mines, which the creatures guard and the Arimaspi try to take from them, both with remarkable covetousness.”
Pliny also mentions griffins in the context of their association with gold deposits in Natural History:
“Griffins were said to lay eggs in burrows on the ground and these nests contained gold nuggets. The Arimaspians, a one-eyed people from the North, were believed to constantly fight with the Griffins to steal the gold.”
This depiction underscores the griffins’ role as fierce protectors of precious resources. Although Pliny does not specifically mention white griffins, his accounts lay the foundation for understanding the broader context in which these creatures were revered. The relentless struggle between griffins and Arimaspians symbolizes the eternal battle between guardians and those who seek to exploit what is sacred and valuable.
The Griffin in Christian Symbolism
In Christian tradition, the griffin’s dual nature—part lion, part eagle—made it a fitting representation of Christ, who is both human and divine. The white griffin, symbolizing purity and nobility, was associated with the virtues of Christ. Early Christian art often depicted griffins as guardians of sacred places, reinforcing their role as protectors of divine mysteries and truths.
The Legacy of the White Griffin
Today, the white griffin remains a powerful symbol of the eternal struggle between good and evil, truth and deception. It represents our quest for knowledge and the belief that, despite challenges, pure truth will always rise. This is why we have chosen the white griffin as our emblem—a reminder that, like this ancient creature, the truth will endure and prevail against all odds.
