Griffin tattoo on arm. What does a griffin tattoo mean? Options for tattoo designs

With the head, wings and talons of an eagle, the Griffin falls into the same category of mythical creatures as Fairies, Dragons and the Minotaur. Folklore associated with griffins dates back to ancient Egypt and Persia, but is most often associated with the ancient Greeks. Be sure to add our correct website to your bookmarks, because we provide you with a lot of useful information.

In medieval Europe Griffin became a Christian symbol of the Church's ideals in marriage. According to legend, Griffins formed lifelong relationships, and in the event of the death of a partner, the surviving griffin never looked for another family member. This creature was also used to represent Jesus. It is a hybrid of two natural elements " Air"(Eagle) and " Earth"(Leo), therefore many medieval Christians believed that the Griffins represented both the Divine and the Mortal.
Before you continue, I should encourage you to check out a couple of my new tattoo related posts. For example, what does Footprint Tattoo mean? what does Fairy Tattoo mean? how to understand Dolphin Tattoo; meaning of Cat Tattoo, etc.
So let's continue meaning of griffin tattoo?

Mention of this creature was first made by a famous 13th century Italian poet Dante, and was probably the reason for the presence of Griffins on countless tombstones in Europe. The creature's association with Christianity and Divinity means that they are considered protectors of the dead.

Griffin is also a symbol of aristocracy, as it is a mixture of two animals that are considered noble: Leo ( King of the Jungle) and Eagle ( King of the Air). As such, Griffins are often included in the coat of arms and family insignia of European bloodlines that have a rich history. The Romans often associated these mythical creatures with the sun god Apollo, and in their folklore the Griffin personified Strength and Dominance. The Griffin is as fire-breathing as the Sun, and as such, is a creature to be feared and respected.

Meaning of Griffin tattoo

Griffin Tattoo designs embody various meanings, most of which are associated with a dominant being, personifying the alpha male. These include:
  • Protection
  • Aristocracy
  • Honor
  • Intelligence
  • Strength and Power

Variations of the Griffin tattoo

Griffin tattoos are relatively uncommon and don't change much when it comes to their design. Most tattoos are associated with Apollo and contain fire elements. The griffin is shown either breathing fire (such as a dragon) or a solar disk, and is usually depicted in the position of a ruler. In fact, people with Griffin Tattoo- These are born leaders related to the management apparatus. They will not be submissive, and will not allow themselves to be mocked because they personify themselves with the powerful Griffin.





When choosing the right Griffin tattoo design, you should focus on what the figure symbolizes and where you want to place it on your body. Whether you combine this sketch with other elements or leave it alone is up to you? To find the right inspiration, go to the "

The griffin is the most mysterious mythical creature with which many legends are associated. The griffin has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. A powerful, beautiful animal that has interested people for a long time.

The griffin has long been considered the patron saint of merchants, moneylenders and other people associated with trade. Now, of course, he patronizes businessmen. According to one of the many legends, the griffin knew how to find gold, and when he found it, hide it from prying eyes.

The griffin was also considered the standard of strength, power, wisdom, courage and justice, because it is not for nothing that this creature combines two kings - birds and animals. Therefore, the griffin has long been chosen as the patron of the guilds of scientists and alchemists.

But Christians have stopped attributing good qualities to this animal. The Church endowed him with bloodthirstiness, vindictiveness and rancor. Therefore, the attitude towards him in Christian countries was rather negative.

Despite the fact that Greece is a Christian country, the Greeks were the first to abandon such an opinion. They considered this creature to be the messenger of the Gods and the guardian of the “tree of life.”

Meaning of a griffin tattoo

As usual, Christian beliefs played a big role, and therefore people now believe what they did in ancient times. The mythical creature is endowed with only positive qualities. Therefore, a tattoo with a griffin in the modern world means:

  • courage and bravery;
  • strength and nobility;
  • greatness and justice.

Most often, a griffin is depicted on its hind legs with spread wings. But sometimes, remembering legends, this creature is drawn near the “tree of life.” This tattoo has a broader meaning than just a griffin.

Such drawings are preferred by brave, courageous young people, athletes, and fighters. It means that a person is not afraid to fight for a just cause and will not back down under any circumstances.

How to choose a griffin tattoo

You should choose such a tattoo based on your character traits. To ignorant people, such a drawing will seem simply beautiful and unusual, but those who understand the meaning of the image will have to answer. And if you do not have a sufficiently persistent and strong character, then you should not ask the artist for such a tattoo. It's better to choose something simpler.

The main meaning of a tattoo with the image of a griffin is an indicator of lust for power, power, and nobility. With this sketch they want to show their readiness for action, their agreement with surrounding problems and the dullness of life.

Meaning of griffin tattoo

Since ancient times, the griffin symbol has been one of the masculine symbols and has a clearly defined designation. In ancient times, the griffin was called nothing less than “the dog of Zeus,” and mere mortals believed in them as guarding untold wealth. Very often, this mythical creature, as a guardian and patron, was immortalized on both edges of the Tree of Life. Because of this, the tattoo of a griffin, which takes the life of a snake or hydra, has only a positive meaning.

Also, the griffin served as a symbol of military service, valor and fortitude; you can often see images of a griffin standing on its hind legs, as if ready to attack. The griffin combines the opposite elements of nature: the body of a lion signifies a firm, stable connection with the earth, and the head of an eagle and wings signify submission to the heavens. Such a combination of earthly and heavenly indicates an absolute combination of spiritual and physical strength.

The main designation of a tattoo for men is nobility and courage. The bearer of the griffin image on the body is a person with a brave heart and courage, who does not sit behind the backs of others and will always come to the rescue. He can withstand any vagaries of fate, because he is not so easily led astray from his intended path, and he will never give up. A subtle sense of justice and common sense are indicative features of the one who chose this sketch.

For women, the meaning of a tattoo is slightly different, because it shows passion and devotion. A woman with a griffin on her body is sensitive to lies. Therefore, it is also suitable for the fair sex.

At the moment, religion no longer speaks so positively about this creature. It is believed that this image is also very vindictive and easily succumbed to anger. And what’s interesting is that according to Christian beliefs, the griffin likes to put obstacles in front of people.

A tattoo of a griffin that tortures its victim can show the cruel inner world of the owner and the opportunity to show his grin to others. More likely, something happened to a person in his past and it left its mark.

This interpretation is of course associated with a griffin bearing a grin or tearing flesh. Sometimes people choose this style of graphics because they are not sure how fair they are to themselves and the world as a whole.

A griffin standing on its hind legs shows a lack of fear of change. The bearer of the tattoo does not want to come to terms with the situation in his life and is ready to act at any opportune second.

The most favorable meaning of the image of a non-aggressive creature. In this form, the griffin shows its harmony with itself and calmness in relation to the world around it.

We can say that despite such a variety of meanings and designations that are attached to the image of a griffin, it is clear that he is a creature that treats everything with respect, justice, showing his strength and desire to protect. This type of tattoo should be chosen by those who are persistent by nature and unshakable in their will. Then the Griffin will become your guardian in all your goals, despite adversity and obstacles.

A griffin tattoo is a spectacular design that is more suitable for the male part of humanity. The images of an eagle and a lion are very often found in heraldry, sculpture, painting and symbolize the ideal combination of physical strength and wisdom. What does a tattoo mean in a modern interpretation?

Who is a griffin

The griffin is a mythical winged creature, a hybrid of a lion and an eagle. According to one version, the name is translated from ancient Greek as “hook-nosed”; according to another, it is a modification of the word “griffoleon”. The first mentions of these creatures appeared in the 5th century BC. Herodotus wrote that they guarded gold in Asian countries, Aeschylus believed that griffins were the dogs of the almighty Zeus. By the way, India was considered the homeland of the creatures, so you can often see their images in ancient temples and on frescoes.

The griffin is a combination of the power of Heaven (eagle) and the power of Earth (lion), which symbolizes the struggle between good and evil, dark and light, animal and rational. In the Middle Ages, it was a positive image that personified the Savior. Later the meaning changed, and the griffin began to be considered a stealer of human souls and a persecutor of believers. It is noteworthy that in Greek mythology it was the instrument of retribution of the goddess Nemesis and symbolized pride and revenge. In the drawings you can often see Nemesis sitting in a chariot drawn by winged creatures.

The image of a griffin has often been used in heraldry since the Middle Ages. His image can be seen on the coat of arms of Kerch and on the coat of arms of the Romanov family; in the form of a sculpture it is found in Barcelona and decorates the customs building.

Options for tattoo designs

The main meaning of a griffin tattoo is power, power, nobility. The image of an eagle and a lion is more suitable for men and will give them courage and determination. The owner of a griffin tattoo is a generous, brave person, he knows how to stand up for himself and will not let his loved ones be offended. He calmly and calmly endures any test, never gives up or gives up. Wisdom and justice are the main traits of someone who has chosen such a tattoo.

The meaning of a tattoo may vary depending on the design and nature of the composition.

  • The image of a griffin tormenting a victim speaks of the owner’s aggressiveness and desire to demonstrate his strength to others. Perhaps the person has not forgotten the grievances of the past, and this prevents him from moving on.
  • A tattoo with a grinning griffin has a similar meaning. Typically, this sketch is chosen by people who need to think about how fair they are to themselves.
  • The griffin, which stands on its hind legs, represents fearlessness and readiness for change. The owner of the tattoo does not want to put up with the current situation and is waiting for the right moment to start a new life.
  • Sketches of a calm and non-aggressive creature have the most positive meaning. The tattoo indicates that a person is in harmony with himself and with the world around him.

Execution technique

A griffin tattoo looks impressive on a large scale on the chest or shoulder of men. Realism and engraving styles are ideal options in this case (see photo in the gallery), but you can choose sketches in other techniques to make the result original and unusual. A monochrome image can be made as close as possible to the original or schematic.

The classic sketch of a griffin tattoo is the head and wings of a golden color, and the body is red or beige. In this combination, the design is not only a beautiful decoration, but also a talisman that protects against troubles and ill-wishers. For girls, such a tattoo will give self-confidence. It can also be seen in people of military professions, regardless of gender.


Photos of griffin tattoos









Selection of sketches








The griffin is a creature from myths and legends that combines the strength of two animals; images of an animal with a lion’s body and the head and wings of an eagle were found quite often, both in architecture and in painting. Initially, griffins were credited with such qualities as: strength, nobility, courage, arrogance. However, different cultures treated the mythical creature differently.

Symbolism of a griffin tattoo

Thus, the Ancient Greeks perceived griffins as messengers of the gods, endowing them with only positive qualities. In Christianity, the appearance of a mythical animal was equated with a demonic one. However, it was in Christianity that the griffin was associated with Jesus Christ, who reigned on earth like a lion and ascended to heaven like an eagle.

Most often, tattoos with a mythical animal are found on men. Usually, a griffin tattoo reflects a combination of physical and spiritual qualities of a person - strength and intelligence. Owners of this kind of tattoos have very tough, strong-willed characters. By putting an image of a mythical creature on their body, both men and women invest in them not only positive meaning, such as nobility, patronage, fidelity; a griffin tattoo can also tell about the desire for retribution in its owner.

The griffin is depicted mainly on the forearm and chest, as a kind of heraldic symbol. A person wearing a tattoo with the image of a griffin is distinguished by courage, determination, bravery, the ability to stand up not only for himself, but also to protect the weak; he perceives all hardships and hardships calmly and with great dignity. The style and composition of the drawing will help determine the exact interpretation.

A griffin, depicted with a victim in its teeth, speaks of an aggressive attitude, a demonstration of its strength, as well as a thirst for revenge. The image of a griffin’s grin is given the same meaning. A warlike creature standing on its hind legs symbolizes readiness for battle and unwillingness to put up with the current situation. Only the image of a calm, peaceful animal carries a positive meaning, speaking of harmony within the owner of the tattoo.

The meaning of a griffin tattoo can be interpreted in different ways, but the strength, courage and justice of the creature remains unchanged. However, it is worth remembering that a mythical animal can only give protection to people with a strong-willed character who always achieve their goals.


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