Skip to content
sphinx

File:Sphinx_CdM_Paris_DeRidder865_n2.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

EntityQ151480· pop 99· linked from 1,355 articles

A sphinx ( ; , ; or sphinges ) is a mythical creature with the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle.

AI overview

A sphinx is a legendary creature from mythology that combines the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle. This hybrid figure has appeared in stories across different cultures throughout history, making it one of the most recognizable mythical beings.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Mythical creature.name
Sphinx
Mythical creature.image
Sphinx CdM Paris DeRidder865 n2.jpg
Mythical creature.caption
Attic red-figure pyxis, 2nd half of the 5th century BC. From Nola, Italy.
Mythical creature.Grouping
Legendary creatures
Mythical creature.Similar_entities
Griffin, Manticore, Cherub, Lamassu, Narasimha
Mythical creature.Region
Egyptian and Greek

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image
Jardin El Capricho Sfinxs at Plaza de los Emperadores05 cropped.jpg
Show 4 more facts
Commons gallery
Sphinx
Commons category
Sphinxes
female form of label
esfinx
inception
0800-00-00
Sources (7)

via Wikidata · CC0

~29 min read

Article

19 sections
Contents
  • Etymology
  • Europe
  • Greece
  • Riddle of the Sphinx
  • The riddle in popular culture
  • Romania
  • Asia
  • Japanese literature
  • Burmese Literature
  • Freemasonry
  • Similar hybrid creatures
  • With feline features
  • Without feline features
  • Gallery
  • See also
  • Notes
  • References
  • Further reading
  • External links

A sphinx ( ; , ; or sphinges ) is a mythical creature with the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle.

In Greek tradition, the sphinx is a treacherous and merciless being with the head of a woman, the haunches of a lion, and the wings of a bird. According to Greek myth, she challenges those who encounter her to answer a riddle, and kills and eats them when they fail to solve the riddle. This deadly version of a sphinx appears in the myth and drama of Oedipus.

Gallery (36)

On the map

3 mapped locations

Connections

Categories