The figure below is a mythical composite creature
called "The Griffin."
The Griffin is a monster-like creature with the body of a lion, the head and
wings of an
eagle, and a back covered with feathers.
In early mythical times, Griffins would find
gold in the mountains and
build their nests with it. They would lay precious agates instead of eggs,
making their nests very tempting to plundering by the Arimaspians,
a one-eyed people of Scythia (now southern Russia),
among whom the Griffins flourished and protected their treasure from.
Vigilance and strength is symbolic of the
Griffin. Attentive, alert and protective.
They are said to coexist with us today, carefully watching and guarding against
all danger.
They are believed to keep evil spirits away.