Gryphons and dragons and unicorns, oh my! Yeah, I couldn’t resist. Mystical Greenwood features these three mythical creatures, as was revealed in the book trailer created by Mockingbird Lane Press. So, this month I thought I’d discuss their history a little, as well as the personal fascination that led me to include them in my story.
GRYPHONS
When it came to choosing the “main” mythical species for Mystical Greenwood, from the beginning I wanted one a little more unique than dragons or unicorns. I first truly became acquainted with gryphons while reading about them in the Harry Potter book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. There was something about them that struck a chord with me. I knew right away this was the creature I wanted for my story.
Gryphons represent courage, boldness, majesty, and nobility, and true love since they were said to mate for life, and only once. Their name can be spelled differently too, as I mentioned before when discussing names in general which is what led me to choose the spelling I did. I also read their nests were reputed to contain emeralds, which I felt would fit well with the “Gaelic” atmosphere I was striving for.
DRAGONS
When reading about knights in shining armor and dreaming of being one as a child, I read about dragons. There’s that common story line of a knight slaying one, like St. George. They’re undoubtedly the quintessential fantasy creature. Western dragons are often depicted greedily guarding treasure, like Smaug in The Hobbit or the dragon in Beowulf. They’ll embark on rampages when a single item is stolen from their hoard. They’re linked with power and magic, like the dragons of Daenerys Targaryen.
Dragons come in many colors, all of which can be interpreted symbolically. The fight between Wales and England has been embodied by red and white dragons (the colors of the same dragons a young Merlin realized were wrecking Vortigern’s castle from constantly battling in an underground pool). They can fly, breathe air or fire, dwell on land or in water. There are so many possibilities with dragons!
While living in Japan, I became acquainted with a dragon different from the Western one. The Eastern dragon is often wingless, benevolent, and worshiped. I once thought about having both in my story, but it would’ve been a world-building dilemma, so I didn’t (which is also why I used “feline” instead of “lion” for gryphons). Because of the Western dragon’s association with greed, those in Mystical Greenwood are villains. Nevertheless, maybe I can somehow introduce good dragons in the sequels. There’s also the possibility of sea dragons. Maybe I can combine the two. We’ll see.
UNICORNS
Unicorns represent purity and goodness. In the first Harry Potter novel, drinking their blood extends life, but that life becomes cursed for slaying such a pure creature. Their horns were said to be made of a substance called alicorn, which possessed healing capabilities. Narwhal tusks were once believed to be unicorn horns. Like dragons and gryphons, something about them draws me. Perhaps in my childhood fantasies about being a knight I dreamed of riding one (though whenever I imagined myself on an actual horse, it was white).
I’m considering introducing a few other mythical creatures in the sequels, but I am glad I chose these three for Mystical Greenwood. Please don’t forget to purchase your copy and post your review!
Andrew McDowell 
This was very interesting. I love the extensive research that you put into these mystical creatures.
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Thank you!
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Cool post !
I’ve never seen so much info on dragons collated in one place ! Very interesting that they arise in different cultures, with each culture having their own symbolism.
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Thanks. I once wrote a poem about those two different kinds of dragons, which sadly hasn’t survived. I would like to try to write a new one on the same subject.
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Thanks for sharing your love of these awesome mystical creatures, and a little background about each one, Andrew. I love researching for novels, and find golden nuggets to add to my books too. All the best with your sequels! Cheers!
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You’re welcome, and thank you!
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Wow. I love fantasy and all these years I never heard of a gryphon. Crazy. Appreciate the knowledge
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Hello Andrew, plus other writers and readers, Thank you for the gryphon (griffin) discussion. An art historian relative of mine researched and wrote about gryphon images and representations found in many cultures’ art. I still have parts of the manuscript and her drawings from numerous museums which was never published.
Gryphons are classified as mystical beasts and considered fictional by some people. Other scholars, particularly this art historian, are convinced the iconic gryphon is not an imaginary being and as real as any other living creature.
Perhaps you would be interested is using the research manuscript.
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I’ve nominated you to join in with a fun Writers Tag, take a look at my blog. 🙂
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Great post! I love mythical creatures and it’s always fun learning new things about them 🙂
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I love all three. Your book sounds like it’s right up my alley as far as what I both read and write. Congratulations on your book! I wish you much success.
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Thank you. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it!
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You’re welcome!
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Andrew, what an interesting and fascinating post. Thank you for sharing.
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Unicorns and dragons – what’s not to like? I really liked the mythical creatures in your novel.
Such interesting background reading, too. Thanks for sharing, Andrew!
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You’re welcome, and thank you!
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Brilliant facts about mythical creatures. I always loved the Griffins. I am not sure where I first heard of them but I definitely remember drawing them as a kid.
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Reblogged this on JamieAdStories.
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Thanks for this information about the creatures in your book. When younger, I was enamored of mythical unicorns and had a good-sized collection of figurines and collectibles. I’ve whittled the numbers down, but still have an assortment of my favorites in the china cabinet.
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