The Griffin or Gryphon has the ears and body of a lion, and the head and wings of an eagle. The front legs bear eagles feathers and talons, the back legs being of the lion. The griffin was quite popular, embodying characteristics of the king of the beasts and the king of the birds. Originating around Minos and Greece, it was known as a sun animal and a guardian of both treasure and justice. Griffins depicted with radiating spikes in place of wings are supposed to be male Griffins. The Opinicus is a creature similiar to a griffin but has all four legs being that of a lion.