Sphinx

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	[[File:Sphinx of Hetepheres II - fourth dynasty of Egypt.jpg|thumb|An early Egyptian sphinx, Queen [[Hetepheres II]] from the fourth dynasty (Cairo Museum).]]		[[File:Sphinx of Hetepheres II - fourth dynasty of Egypt.jpg|thumb|An early Egyptian sphinx, Queen [[Hetepheres II]] from the fourth dynasty (Cairo Museum).]]
−	The S'''phinx''' ({{lang-el|Σφίγξ}} {{IPA-el|sfiŋks|}}, [[Aeolic Greek|Boeotian]]: {{lang|grc|Φίξ}} {{IPA-grc|pʰiks|}}) is a [[mythical creature]] with, at a minimum, the head of a [[human]] and the body of a [[lion]].	+	The '''Sphinx''' ({{lang-el|Σφίγξ}} {{IPA-el|sfiŋks|}}, [[Aeolic Greek|Boeotian]]: {{lang|grc|Φίξ}} {{IPA-grc|pʰiks|}}) is a [[mythical creature]] with, at a minimum, the head of a [[human]] and the body of a [[lion]].
	In [[Culture of Greece|Greek tradition]], it has the head of a [[human]], the haunches of a [[lion]], and sometimes the wings of a [[bird]]. It is mythicised as treacherous and merciless. Those who cannot answer its [[riddle]] suffer a fate typical in such mythological stories, as they are killed and eaten by this ravenous monster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/texts/Oedipus/sphinx.shtm |title=Dr. J's Lecture on Oedipus and the Sphinx |publisher=People.hsc.edu |date= |accessdate=2014-05-15}}</ref> This deadly version of a sphinx appears in the myth and drama of [[Oedipus]].<ref>Kallich, Martin. "Oepidus and the Sphinx." Oepidus: Myth and Drama. N.p.: Western, 1968. N. pag. Print.</ref> Unlike the Greek sphinx, which was a woman, the Egyptian sphinx is typically shown as a man (an '''androsphinx'''). In addition, the Egyptian sphinx was viewed as benevolent, but having a ferocious strength similar to the malevolent Greek version and both were thought of as guardians often flanking the entrances to temples.<ref>Stewart, Desmond. Pyramids and the Sphinx. [S.l.]: Newsweek, U.S., 72. Print.</ref>		In [[Culture of Greece|Greek tradition]], it has the head of a [[human]], the haunches of a [[lion]], and sometimes the wings of a [[bird]]. It is mythicised as treacherous and merciless. Those who cannot answer its [[riddle]] suffer a fate typical in such mythological stories, as they are killed and eaten by this ravenous monster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/texts/Oedipus/sphinx.shtm |title=Dr. J's Lecture on Oedipus and the Sphinx |publisher=People.hsc.edu |date= |accessdate=2014-05-15}}</ref> This deadly version of a sphinx appears in the myth and drama of [[Oedipus]].<ref>Kallich, Martin. "Oepidus and the Sphinx." Oepidus: Myth and Drama. N.p.: Western, 1968. N. pag. Print.</ref> Unlike the Greek sphinx, which was a woman, the Egyptian sphinx is typically shown as a man (an '''androsphinx'''). In addition, the Egyptian sphinx was viewed as benevolent, but having a ferocious strength similar to the malevolent Greek version and both were thought of as guardians often flanking the entrances to temples.<ref>Stewart, Desmond. Pyramids and the Sphinx. [S.l.]: Newsweek, U.S., 72. Print.</ref>