Sphinx

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A sphinx is a mythical creature, made up of a bit of this, and a bit of that: a human face, the body of a lion, the wings of a hawk. [1]

In our world, and most likely GRRM’s, some traditions believe that sphinxes take away the sins of devotees when they enter a temple and ward off evil in general. A sphinx or sphinxes are therefore often found in a strategic position, for example, near entrances or a temple gateway. Often they are found as female-male pairs. Here, too, the sphinx serves a protective function.

The Valyrians had their own sphinxes, they are referred to a Valyrian sphinxes.

Sphinxes always speak in riddles in the tales.[2] Tyrion mentions to Brown Ben Plumm that most of the stories heard about dragons are fodder for fools - one that he mentions is of dragons riddling with sphinxes.

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

The council chamber door of the Red Keep is flanked by Valyrian sphinxes, they have eyes of polished garnets smoldering in black marble faces.

A Feast for Crows

Alleras, known as The Sphinx, is a novice studying at the Citadel in Oldtown. He seeks Samwell Tarly out as soon as he enters the Citadel and instructs him to go to Marwyn.[3] Maester Aemon says to Samwell Tarly that "the sphinx was the riddle, not the riddler".

A Dance with Dragons

While travelling Tyrion and Illyrio Mopatis come across a huge Valyrian sphinx crouched beside the road. It has a dragon’s body and a woman’s face. However her king is missing, dragged off by the Dothraki back to Vaes Dothrak on wooden wheels. There is a smooth stone plinth where he once stood, grown over with moss and flowering vines. Tyrion considers the queen sphinx and pleasant omen and her missing king an omen too, but not as hopeful.

The Long Bridge, which joins the two halves of Volantis across the mouth of the Rhoyne, has a gateway which is an arch of black stone carved with sphinxes, manticores, dragons and other strange beasts.

Tyrion mentions to Brown Ben Plumm most of the stories heard about dragons are fodder for fools - one of which is dragons riddling with sphinxes.

References and Notes