E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gryphon (in Orlando Furioso),
son of Olive’ro and Sigismunda, brother of Aquilant, in love with Origilla, who plays him false. He was called White from his armour, and his brother Black. He overthrew the eight champions of Damascus in the tournament given to celebrate the king’s wedding-day. While asleep Marta’no steals his armour, and goes to the King Norandi’no to receive the meed of high deeds. In the meantime Gryphon awakes, finds his armour gone, is obliged to put on Marta’no’s, and, being mistaken for the coward, is hooted and hustled by the crowd. He lays about him stoutly, and kills many. The king comes up, finds out the mistake, and offers his hand, which Gryphon, like a true knight, receives. He joined the army of Charlemagne.
