Griffon headcanon · 10:06pm Apr 13th, 2019
It would be easy to lump together griffon and pegasus abilities, but there are a few subtle differences. Griffons can stand on clouds and control the weather to some degree, but they are not as sensitive to atmospheric changes as pegasi are. Unlike ponies who have one main talent, griffons are jacks of all trades who are competent at most jobs, but not outstanding in any single skill. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule such as the chef Gustave le Grand.
Griffons can compete with pegasi in aerial sports, and often attend flight schools together. Their eyesight is sharper than those of ungulates, and they can also see ultraviolet. Like pegasi, griffons can bend their feathers to grasp objects, but they don't need to do it as often because they have talons.
Also like pegasi, griffons can infuse their magic into items, although they tend to be less adept at this skill. Both the Idol of Boreas and King Grover's crown absorbed their user's magic over time and were said to bring good fortune to whoever possessed them.
Griffons lay up to two eggs a year. The eggs hatch three months after they are laid, and chick-cubs are considered legal adults at age 14. Adult griffons usually don't continue to have strong bonds with their parents or siblings.
Although griffons can digest vegetables and grains, growing griffons must eat some meat to survive. Griffons get most of their meat from fishing in mountain streams, but they also buy chicken and pork from pony-run farms – a controversial business for ponies.
While griffons have the capacity for Heartsongs, they are considered taboo. The griffon and dragon attitudes about Heartsongs are almost opposites. Dragons freely sing and pretend they don't; griffons acknowledge the existence of Heartsongs but forbid the practice in Griffonstone. This rule is an overreaction to a tragedy that occurred a hundred years ago. Griffonstone had a parasprite infestation and a piper agreed to play his music to lead them out of the city – for a reasonable fee, of course. But when the time came to pay the piper, nogriff wanted to part with their bits. The piper got revenge at night by playing a mysterious and spellbinding song. When the music reached the ears of the chick-cubs, they got out of their beds and sleepwalked after the piper, singing eerily. Any adult who woke up and heard the music would be paralyzed, forced to watch the children follow the piper, powerless to stop them. The chick-cubs were never seen again.
There are a few different lessons the griffons could have taken from this incident, but the one they latched onto is that music was dangerous. Not all griffons agree with this rule, though, which is one reason why griffons are seen living in Canterlot. Even the citizens of Griffonstone will sometimes sing quietly by themselves. Griffons who do sing Heartsongs enjoy boots in their magic, and find that everything around them looks more beautiful, and the time passes by more pleasantly. And more than any other creature, a griffon's Heartsong has the capacity to influence whoever hears it.
Reading this was fun! It's always nice to see other people's ideas, and this was definitely some good food for thought. Heck, some of this will probably end up "bleeding over" into my headcanons.
The headcanons are the best part of the fandom, tbh.
5044062
Thanks! It's always flattering when people tell me that my headcanon influenced theirs.
5044071
I certainly think so!
5044071
Ditto.
This is so creative. Though i don't know why I'm surprised. You always come up with amazing stuff.