Griffin attribute card from Castlevania: Circle of the Moon.
The Griffin, or Griffon, is a legendary creature said to have the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. It is generally depicted as having command over the element of wind, and certain relics attributed to it usually allow the player to jump high in the air.
Origins
The griffin by Martin Schongauer (15th century).
The griffin is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and hind legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle's talons as its front feet. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle the king of birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Griffins are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions. There is evidence of representations of griffins in Ancient Iranian and Ancient Egyptian art dating back to before 3000 BC.
In medieval lore, griffins not only mated for life, but if either partner died, then the other would continue the rest of its life alone, never to search for a new mate. The griffin was thus made an emblem of the Church's opposition to remarriage.
A Hippogriff is supposedly the offspring of a griffin and a mare.
Appearances
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
In Circle of the Moon, the Griffin is a wind-elemental DSS attribute card. It produces wind-like effects, such as creating a sonic wave as Nathan dashes.
It is also a summonable monster. This spell, cast by combining the Uranus action card with the Griffin attribute card, causes many blades of sharp wind to fly across the screen, causing minor damage to enemies on the edges of the screen, but more to flying enemies in the center. Costs 100 MP.
Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
While not physically present in Harmony of Dissonance, the Griffin appears as a small homage in the form of the Griffin's Wing relic, replacing the Gravity Boots and Roc Wing from previous games. Equipping it allows Juste to perform high jumps.
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
Again, not physically present and appearing only as a relic called the Griffon Wing. This time, however, the item can only be used by Jonathan and allows him to perform powerful flaming uppercuts while soaring up in the air.
See also
- Summon Griffin (ally)
- Griffin's Wing, Griffin Card (items)