The griffin or gryphon is an ancient mythical quadruped with the foreparts of an eagle and the rear, tail and hindquarters of a lion. Its eagle-like head had pointed, upstanding ears. Because of the griffin's strength and powers of sight, it was believed to guard hidden treasures and in particular the vast gold mines of India and Scythia. One of the treasures most commonly guarded by griffins such as this one was emeralds. Other popular treasures under their surveillance were the Tree of Life, knowledge, and the roads to salvation. The ancient Greeks and Romans used griffin images to guard tombs.
The griffin also became the adversary of serpents and basilisks, both of which were seen as embodiments of satanic demons. It's dual nature led it to be associated with Jesus Christ, God and man, king of heaven and earth. The eagle half of the griffin signified Christ's divinity and the lion half represented his humanity. During the Middle Ages, griffins were symbols of Christ's resurrection. The strength of the lion and the wisdom of the eagle combined in the griffin symbolised the strength and wisdom of God.