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The Gryphon Today
 
And what does the educated and enlightened world of today think of Gryphons? Luckily for us, we seem to be in the
midst of a resurgence of classical ideas, and as we continue to forge forward into the future, we are also looking back into history, striving to remember what we once were and what we once believed in. Of course we realize that Gryphons no longer exist, if they ever did, but that does not keep us from exploring our dreams and imaginations, where all mythical beasts continue to live.
Today we still recognize the powerful symbolism of the Gryphon, it's popularity proved by it's appearances as logos on business cards, street signs, antique furniture, etc. Gryphons still serve as protectors of one of the many gargoyles on the famous Notre Dame cathedral, as well as numerous other structures around the world. Once upon a time Gryphons were constrained within the borders of Greece and Central Asia, but now they can be found all around the world, from Russia (left) and Germany to America (right). The Gryphon has remained in the limelight of imagination also thanks on part to it's inclusion into the various games of our time, such as role-playing games, card games, and video games, as well as being a popular figure in many children and adult fantasy novels. Companies and individuals across the globe still recognize the powerful attributes inherent within the Gryphon mythos, taking on the Gryphon's name, wanting to emulate the great beast's nobility, vigilance and raw strength.
Yet Gentle Will the Gryphon Be
However, with time comes change, and the Gryphon is no exception. Take this poem for example by Vachel Lindsay.
The Moon? It is a Gryphon's Egg.
Hatching tomorrow night.
And how the little boys will watch-
With shouting and delight.
To see him break the shell and stretch,
And creep across the sky.
The boys will laugh, the little girls
I fear, may hide and cry.
Yet -gentle will the Gryphon be.
Most decorous and fat,
And walk up to the Milky Way,
And lap it like a cat.
The Gryphon becomes a cute, fat creature, happily lapping up the Milky Way, a far cry from it's traditional role as the champion of Pharaohs, and the bearer of the chariot of the Church.
The Land of Forgotten Beasts
There is yet hope for not only the Gryphon, but for all fantastic creatures, as long as we keep them alive in our minds. And Barbara Wersba hints on this fact quite well in her modern fantasy book, The Land of Forgotten Beasts (1964), where a young boy who can not see past his eyes enters a world of fantasy and encounters a myriad of different fantastic creatures. Click here to read a song that a Gryphon sings (albeit off-key) about his fabulous, and forgotten friends.
The Gryphon In Modern Art and Literature
If you're curious as to how the Gryphon has appeared in our modern art and stories, then please visit my pages devoted specifically to those subjects!
The Gryphon In Modern Art | The Gryphon In Modern Literature
Gryphon Music!
Yes Gryph fans, believe it or not, but there are actually a few songs out there featuring Gryphons! Here are the ones that I have managed to find so far, in a zipped MP3 format.
Many people know of Mercedes Lackey's famous Valdemar books, but not so well known is that Misty is also a talented lyricist and song writer, and has made numerous songs about beloved land of Valdemar.
You can buy the CD's containing these Mercedes Lackey songs online at Firebird Arts and Music.
You may also be interested to know that there is a music group out there with the name Gryphon! While they don't actually sing of Gryphons, their unique style of music, both instrumental and vocal, is truly a treat to hear. Some of their music is available at Amazon.com, and you can find out more information about the band at their official webpage.
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