Griffin Tattoos
With the body of a lion, the head, wings, and talons of an eagle, the Griffin falls into the same category of mythical beings as the Fairies, Dragons, and the Minotaur. The Griffin folklore has been around since the days of ancient Egypt and Persia, but it is most often associated with the ancient Greeks.
In Medieval Europe, the Griffin became a Christian symbol for the Church's ideals on marriage. According to legend, Griffins mated for life and in the event of the death of a partner, the surviving griffin would never seek another mate. The creature was also used to symbolize Jesus. It is a hybrid of two natural elements Air (Eagle) and Earth (Lion), as such, many medieval Christians believed that Griffins represented both the Divine and the Mortal. The link was first made by noted 13
th century Italian poet,
Dante and may be the reason for the presence of Griffins on countless tombstones in Europe. The creature's association with Christianity and the Divinity means that they are considered to be
protectors of the dead.
The Griffin is also a symbol of the Aristocracy, since it is a blend of two animals considered to be noble: the Lion (the King of the Jungle) and the Eagle (the King of the Air). As such, Griffins are often incorporated into the coat of arms and family crests of European bloodlines that have a rich history. Romans often associated these
mythical creatures with the sun god Apollo, giving the Griffin folklore an air of Power and Dominance. A Griffin is as fiery as the Sun, as such, it was a creature to be feared and respected.
The Meaning of Griffin Tattoos
Griffin Tattoo designs embody a
variety of meanings, most of which are associated with the creature's dominant, 'alpha dog' persona. These include:
- Protection
- Aristocracy
- Honor
- Intelligence
- Strength and Power
Griffin Tattoo Variations
Griffin Tattoos are relatively uncommon and don't vary much when it comes to their designs. Most tattoos play up the creature's association with Apollo and have elements of fire incorporated. The Griffin is shown either breathing fire (like a dragon) or with a sun disc, and is usually depicted in a position of power. In fact, persons with Griffin Tattoos are natural born leaders with a 'take charge' attitude to life. They will not be bullied or submissive and see themselves in the eyes of the mighty Griffin.
When selecting the right Griffin Tattoo design, it pays to focus on what the piece symbolizes to you and where you want to place it on your body. Will you combine it with other elements or let it remain alone?
5 Best Sources For a Perfect Griffin Tattoo:
Are you looking for the Perfect Griffin Tattoo design? The best tattoo designs are those that have special meaning to you! When choosing the right tattoo for you, think about where you intend to place it on your body. Will you combine it with other elements or let it stand on its own?
Remember that the choices can be confusing and it is not easy to decide which idea is the most suitable for your Permenent design.
There are many different sources on the internet to get some inspiration for your next Griffin design. To help you make the best choice, we have listed and reviewed the most popular among them.
Sit back,
Relax and
Take your time to find some nice unique ideas (This process may take days, months or even years!).
Source 2: Free Search Engines & Networks
Other great places you should check are the following search engines and networks.
Feel free to
click on one of them and browse the results you get.
Take a look at some nice designs we have found:
Source 4: Online Galleries For Sign Up Members
"Members Only" Search through Databases. Get instant access to thousands of unique tattoo designs. Browse from the comfort of your home and download any design you like.
Just
Click on one of those popular galleries, sign up and get a
Member Access that allows you to start browsing!
Source 5: PC Download Package
TattooFever.net - Click to Enter
More than 10,000 tattoo designs in PC download package.
In two Minutes you can
Download thousands of tattoos. Enough tattoos for a lifetime (and probably all you will ever need...!)