Tradition / Region: Dilmun Mythology, Bahrain Mythology, Qatari Mythology
Alternate Names: None Recorded
Category: Bird
The Myth
The Dilmun Griffin is a rare chimeric creature appearing on ancient Dilmun seals from the Bronze Age civilization of Dilmun. It is shown as part of a mythological battle scene in which a humanoid or divine figure leads several beasts against a great serpent or dragon.
The griffin-like creature appears beside a bull, lion, and ibex as they confront the serpent. It is depicted as one of the creatures accompanying the divine champion during the battle. In other seal scenes, the same griffin-like being appears again beside the humanoid figure, suggesting it belonged to the same mythological motif.
Very little survives about the creature itself, and no detailed myths describing its origin or nature remain. The surviving imagery only shows it participating in the sacred conflict against the serpent-dragon alongside the other beasts.
Sources
Laursen, S. T. (n.d.). Dilmun boats on seals, horned figureheads, and the serpent/dragon slaying myth, c. 2050–1500 BC, p. 7-8.