<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><!DOCTYPE Zthes SYSTEM "http://zthes.z3950.org/xml/zthes-05.dtd">  <Zthes><term><termId>31339701</termId><termName>griffins</termName><termType>PT</termType><termNote><![CDATA[ Composite mythological creatures with the head and wings of a bird (usually that of an eagle) and the body and hind quarters of a lion. Was a favorite decorative motif in the ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean area, probably having originated in the Levant in the 2nd millennium BCE; the griffin had spread throughout western Asia and into Greece by the 14th century BCE. The Asiatic griffin had a crested head, whereas the Minoan and Greek griffin usually had a mane of spiral curls. It was shown either recumbent or seated on its haunches, often paired with the sphinx; its function was often protective. The Greeks believed griffins inhabited Scythia to keep jealous watch over the gold of that country. ]]></termNote><termCreatedDate>2026-03-30 20:31:36</termCreatedDate><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31339702</termId><termName>griffin</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31339703</termId><termName>griffon</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31339704</termId><termName>griffons</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31339705</termId><termName>gryphon</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31339706</termId><termName>gryphons</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>BT</relationType><termId>31316432</termId><termName>legendary beings</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation><relation><relationType>NT</relationType><termId>31370501</termId><termName>vyāla</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation></term>  </Zthes>