Public Domain Super Heroes
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Sphinx
Oedipus and the Sphinx MET DP-14201-023

Real Name

Sphinx

First Appearance

Greek/Egyptian Myth

Created by

Greek/Egyptian Myth

Origin[]

A sphinx is a mythical creature with the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle.

In Greek tradition, the sphinx is a treacherous and merciless being with the head of a woman, the haunches of a lion, and the wings of a bird. According to Hesiod, the sphinx was born of Orthos and Chimera while The Library of Greek Mythology claims she was born of Typhon and Echidna . She challenges those who encounter her to answer a riddle, and kills and eats them when they fail to solve the riddle. This deadly version of a sphinx appears in the myth and drama of Oedipus.

In Egyptian mythology, in contrast, the sphinx is typically depicted as a man, and is seen as a benevolent representation of strength and ferocity, usually of a pharaoh. Unlike Greek or Levantine/Mesopotamian ones, Egyptian sphinxes were not winged.

Public Domain Comic Appearances[]

  • Red Band Comics #3-4
  • Meteor Comics #1

See Also[]

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