Griffinology : the griffin's place in myth, history and art
Anne L. McClanan
Bok · Engelsk · 2024
| Omfang | 223 sider : illustrasjoner
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| Opplysninger | Cover -- Title Page -- Copyright -- Contents -- Introduction -- 1. What Is a Griffin? Early Depictions from Ancient West Asia -- 2. Golden Griffins of Ancient Greece: From Image to Word -- 3. Sacred Griffins: Divine Partners and Symbols -- 4. Drinking with Griffins -- 5. The Art of War: Griffins on Weapons and Armour -- 6. Griffins on the Move: Depictions in Nomadic Central Asia -- 7. Guardian Griffins -- 8. In the Halls of Power: Griffins in Byzantine and Sasanian Palaces -- 9. Griffins Aloft: Griffins as Luminous, Flying and Heavenly Creatures -- 10. Encircling Griffins: Mapping the Influence of a Motif -- 11. Griffins in the Realms of Death and Transcendence -- 12. Moralizing Griffins -- 13. Making Their Mark with Griffins: From Heraldry to Visual Branding -- 14. Adventures with Griffins -- 15. Modern Marvels: The Griffin Imagery of Carroll and Rowling -- Epilogue: Thinking with Griffins -- References -- Select Bibliography -- Acknowledgements -- Photo Acknowledgements -- Index.. - This book explores the historical and cultural significance of the griffin, a mythical creature with the features of both an eagle and a lion. Spanning 5,000 years, the work examines the griffin's depiction in art and literature across various cultures, from ancient West Asia and Greece to modern interpretations. It analyzes the creature's role as a symbol of vigilance, power, and divinity, and its adaptability in different contexts, including religious, military, and commercial. The author critically reevaluates theories surrounding the griffin's origins and its portrayal as a hybrid rather than a monster. Through a thematic approach, the book delves into the griffin's representation in nomadic societies, its influence in elite Byzantine and Sasanian spaces, and its presence in funerary and transcendental art. Intended for scholars and enthusiasts of mythology and cultural studies, this comprehensive study highlights the enduring relevance and transformation of griffin imagery.
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| ISBN | 9781789148466
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