Greek Mythology in Contemporary Form: Sphinx

The Sphinx was a female monster with the body of a lion, the chest and head of a woman, eagle wings and a seprent-headed tail.

The Sphinx was sent by the gods to plague the town of Thebus as punishment for some ancient crime. She would devour those who failed to solve her riddle.

Kreon, the regent of Thebes, offered the kingship to any man who could destroy her. Oidipous accepted the challenge and when he solved the Sphinx's riddle, she cast herself off a mountainside in despair. This was also in accordance with an oracle declaring the terms of her demise.

The Sphinx was popular in ancient art, especially as sculptural grave set upon the tombs of men who died in youth. Decorative Sphinx's also appear in animal processions in archaic Greek vases, often alongside lions and bird-bodies sirens.