The hippogriff (also spelt hippogryph) is a mythical creature from European folklore. It was originally an invention of the 16th century Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto, featuring in the epic poem Orlando Furioso. The creature is described as being a hybrid, featuring an eagle's head and wings attached to a horse-like body. The hippogriff's front legs were similar to an eagle's talons while its hind legs and tail were akin to a horse.
According to Ariosto, the hippogriff was the steed of a great wizard, born from the coupling of a mare and a griffin. Since these two creatures are said to be natural enemies, the hippogriff is believed to be a symbol of love. Other sources, such as Thomas Bulfinch's Legends of Charlemagne, cite the hippogriff to be an evil spirit and a creation of Satan.
In modern times, the hippogriff has become a popular fixture of fantasy media, appearing in literary works such as the Harry Potter books and roleplaying games such as Dungeons & Dragons.
Examples of hippogriffs[]
- Hippogriff (Harry Potter)
- Hippogriff (Warhammer)
- Hippogriff (Dungeons & Dragons)
- Hippogriff (My Little Pony)