Composite Beasts

Composite beasts combine multiple animal bodies into one emblem of mastery over realms of land, air, and fire. The focus is on widely attested figures such as the Griffin and the Chimera, with notes on later heraldic and bestiary traditions. Typical functions include throne or tomb guardianship, escort of treasure, and markers of sovereignty on standards and seals. Iconographic cues include raptor wings, leonine bodies, goat heads or serpent tails, and the palm-leaf or rosette setting in ancient art. Browse the tiles by culture, role (guardian, omen, companion) or motifs like treasure, flight, and royal power. Cards provide sources, transliterations, and concise context linking creatures to city walls, victory processions, and shrine gateways.