Such arbitrary creatures as the Sphinx, the Winged and Man-headed Bull and Lion, and the Griffin, were invested with symbolic meaning in the association of qualities--animal and human; and probably had their origin in an early belief in Totemism.
Most primitive communities have superstitious regard for certain animals, as the mythical origin of personal or tribal descent, and appreciation for animal qualities is evidenced, for example, in the belief that to eat hare or any timorous animal would be disastrous, resulting in the transference of timidity to the consumer.
The underlying idea of Cannibalism is the belief that in consuming part of an adversary his virtues will also be acquired.
The practice in, that sense is really a tribute to his superior courage or mentality.
The Lion and Bull were associated with courage and strength, either for protection or menace.
The Serpent, with wisdom, subtilty and cunning. The Eagle typifies alertness and watchfulness as well as speed.
Wings may symbolise rapidity and mobility, or ever-present, as hovering, the bat’s wing being potential in darkness. The human element denotes Intelligence, and bird claws--Ferocity.
The Sphinx in Egyptian Art, always represented in a crouching position, is a combination of Lion body with human head and bust (generally female) and symbolises Intelligence and Power.
The Greek Sphinx, borrowed from the Egyptian, is generally represented in a seated attitude, and invested with wings. It had a different meaning, that of Malignity and Mystery. Probably in allusion to the tradition of the Theban sphinx that menaced the town, until her destruction was accomplished by Œdipus, who solved the riddle that had resulted fatally for his predecessors.
The Assyrian combination of Winged Lion or Bull with human head, is symbolic of association of strength with courage and intelligence, the wings suggesting mobility or ever-present.
The Gryffon, a Greek creation, was composed of a lion body, with eagle head and wings, typifying not only swiftness, strength and courage, but alertness or watchfulness. It was employed on the Acroteria of the pediments; alertness being indicated by the forward position of the ears.
The Chimeræ as an emblem of terror and devastation, is in the form of a lion body, the tail being a serpent, the lion mouth belching forth flames. From the centre of the back protrudes a goat’s head.