Sphinx

"I wade into the jaws of the sphinx."

— Cleodus o Caspar

One of the most recognizable mythical creatures in Thripia, the sphinx are hybrid creatures,almost always with the body of a lion who are thought to protect from evil and are guardians of the Underworld. They are a frequent motif within the architecture of Thripia particularly in palaces and tombs. There are five common forms of the sphinx, each formed of different animals and representing different attributes. Sphinx, despite commonly being depicted benevolent beings, are often thought to be temperamental and prone to using their tremendous power in dark ways.

Appearance

The form of a sphinx varies depending on its purpose and attributes. They are hybrid creatures made of at least two different animals, one almost always a lion which represents power typically serves as the body of the sphinx. Avian wings, usually those of a falcon, also appear most regularly symbolizing virtue and quickness. What varies between sphinx varieties is always the head or sometimes the tail. Statues of sphinx will portray them either lying down on all fours with their heads high, sitting up or standing up in a walking motion.

• Androsphinx have the body of a lion, or on rarer occasions of an aurochs bull, the wings of a falcon and the head of a man or woman, though the latter are sometimes called gynosphinx. Their human aspects set them apart from other sphinx and represent intelligence and authority.
• Ornisphinx have the body of a lion and the head and wings of a falcon or some other type of bird. The falcon symbolizes speed, power and loyalty.
• Skylosphinx have the body of a lion, the head of a jackal and the wings of a falcon. The jackal represents cunning, intellect and, similarly to the Ornisphinx, loyalty.
• Taurosphinx have the body of a lion, the wings of a falcon and the head of an aurochs bull. Androsphinx with the bodies of bulls are sometimes referred to as taurosphinx. Aurochs symbolize power, determination and willpower.
• Herpasphinx have the body and mane of a lion with the head of a crocodile. Some have falcon wings, most do not. The crocodile represents natural forces, fear and ferocious strength.
• Necrosphinx have the body of a lion, the head of a snake and the tail of a scorpion. Their snake and scorpion attributes are closely linked with the concept of death.

Significance

Principally, sphinx are protectors. Where they are found in buildings, homes or charms, they are guardians against evil who are, as such, to be respected and honored. Though they are not gods, they represent a divine middle ground, simultaneously mortal and animal yet spirits of higher nature. Each type of sphinx fulfills a different function, has different attributes and is a guardian of specific places and things.

• The most common variety of sphinx, androsphinx are also the most powerful. Noble guardians who do battle with evil, they are benevolent and wise, representing authority empowered by both force and law. Often, they are symbolic of royalty or nobility. Insulting an androsphinx can have serious consequences as they demand respect in exchange for their protective powers. They are most commonly found protecting wealthy residences and tombs.
• Like androsphinx, ornisphinx are protectors and vanquishers of evil. They lack the intelligence of their human-like cousins, however, and are known for not just guarding against dark forces, but hunting them down and destroying them. It is believed they serve the androsphinx and thus represent loyalty. Ornisphinx are said to watch over travelers and it isn't uncommon for those undertaking long journeys to carry with them an ornisphinx idol. Statues of their kind are found most commonly in public places and buildings.
• The smaller Skylosphinx are watchers and guardians that protect valubles, everything from jewelry to family members, and ward off threats. Unlike many other kinds of sphinx, they are not known for raw power, size or intimidation, but rather attributes of cunning and cleverness. They are the rarest type of sphinx, not known to many, and are most commonly depicted in statues, especially smaller ones which can be moved around the home to different areas in need of watching.
• Stalwart, strong and full of wrath, taurosphinx are personal guardians who will defend ruthlessly those who they are duty bound to guard. They represent pride, power and the will of warriors. They are, however, the most temperamental of the sphinx, prone to rage if they are disrespected. Most commonly, they are found guarding homes and palaces, often alongside androsphinx.
• Herpasphinx are the most aggressive and violent breed of sphinx, far more bestial than any of their counterparts. They are associated with natural forces, particularly those linked with water or rivers such as floods, strong winds and storms. Like the taurosphinx, they are personal guardians who will go to great and brutal lengths to protect those they serve, but will not necessarily distinguish between innocent or guilty souls. They are often represented in the forms of charms, talismans and idols which are carried on person or kept in the home. Statues of them may be found in farms.
• Necrosphinx are very strongly associated with the Underworld and death. They are the most actively malevolent type of sphinx and fill the role of avenger far more closely than that of protector. Like the androsphinx, they are intelligent, but represent manipulative cunning more than wisdom. An individual may use a necrosphinx idol to invoke a curse to place on their enemies or to right a wrong made against them. As the guardians of the underworld and devourers of souls, necrosphinx can often be found guarding tombs and burial sites. It is thought trespassing in a sacred place under the protection of a necrosphinx will leave one's soul vulnerable to being destroyed and eaten by the creature. Many are found residing in the Necropolis.

Lifespan

Immortal