A 

sphinx (/ˈsfɪŋks/ SFINGKS, Ancient Greek: σφίγξ [spʰíŋks], Boeotian: φίξ [pʰíːks],
plural sphinxes or sphinges) is a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion
with the wings of a falcon.
In Greek tradition, the sphinx has the head of a woman, the haunches of a lion, and the wings of
a bird. She is mythicized as treacherous and merciless, and will kill and eat those who cannot
answer her riddle.[1] This deadly version of a sphinx appears in the myth and drama of Oedipus.[2]
Unlike the Greek sphinx, which was a woman, the Egyptian sphinx is typically shown as a man
(an androsphinx (Ancient Greek: ανδρόσφιγξ)). In addition, the Egyptian sphinx was viewed as
benevolent but having a ferocious strength similar to the malevolent Greek version. Both were
thought of as guardians and often flank the entrances to temples.[3]
In European decorative art, the sphinx enjoyed a major revival during the Renaissance. Later, the
sphinx image, initially very similar to the original Ancient Egyptian concept, was exported into many
other cultures, albeit they're often interpreted quite differently due to translations of descriptions of
the originals and through the evolution of the concept in relation to other cultural traditions.
Sphinx depictions are generally associated with architectural structures such as royal tombs or
religious temples.

Contents

 1Egypt
 2Greece
o 2.1Riddle of the Sphinx
 2.1.1The riddle in popular culture
 3South and Southeast Asia
 4Europe
 5Freemasonry
 6Similar hybrid creatures
o 6.1With feline features
o 6.2Without feline features
 7Gallery
 8See also
 9Notes
 10References
 11Further reading
 12External links