The Griffin - a mythical creature and symbol of Szczecin

Krakow has a dragon, and Szczecin - a griffin!

The griffin is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. They were supposedly cruel and wild by nature, often hunting horses and cows. They were also allegedly dangerous to humans. It was believed that they could be tamed right after hatching from the egg. 

The Griffin and the Griffins

The image of the griffin appeared in Pomerania at the end of the 11th or the beginning of the 12th century. The Griffins - princes from a Slavic dynasty who ruled Western Pomerania, took their family name from the griffin, and made the legendary creature the emblem of their land. The residence of the Griffins was the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle located in Szczecin. The Griffins were one of the longest reigning dynasties in Europe!

From the 13th century, the griffin appeared on coins and banners of Pomeranian knights. The griffin is present in the coat of arms not only of Szczecin, but also many other Pomeranian cities: Wolin, Goleniow, Trzebiatow, Golczewo, Koszalin and in the names of places such as Gryfino, Gryfice.