Griffins are a species of half-bird and half-lion creatures capable of breathing fire and are of legendary status with a fearsome reputation. They reside in groups within griffin dens, but a few may take up residence within abandoned castles.
In "The Enchanted Quill", Gargamel and Scruple snuck into Castle Quill to obtain the Enchanted Quill, but the castle was inhabited by two unruly griffins which proved to be very dangerous due to their monstrous strength and fiery breath. Later on, Gargamel ended up being mislead into a griffins' den in the north and its residents proceeded to give Gargamel a very "warm" welcome.