Mythological
Griffin
Two-formed creature of the Earthly Paradise: a lion in its lower aspect, an eagle in its upper part, drawing the triumphal chariot that guards Beatrice.
Profile
The griffin appears in the Earthly Purgatory, where it is yoked to the triumphal chariot and guards its contents. Its nature is dual, according to Dante's description based on the vision of Ezekiel, and its colors derive from the Song of Songs. The griffin opens its right wing to draw Dante near its own breast, then moves forward carrying the sacred load. Beatrice is attested at its side in the same processional scene of Purgatory. The explicit scriptural reference (Ez. 1, 5-11) clarifies that Dante's representation follows that of Ezekiel's composite creatures, except in the number of wings.
In the text
Linked verses
2 verses| Cantica | Canto | Verso | Testo | Open verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purgatory | Canto XXXI | 113 | al petto del grifon seco menarmi, | Open verse |
| Purgatory | Canto XXXII | 26 | e ’l grifon mosse il benedetto carco | Open verse |