Hippogryph

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File:HippogryphHatchling.jpg

Hippogryph Hatchling

A hippogryph is an ancient, magical beast with the hindquarters of a mighty black stag and the head, wings, and forelegs of a large raven. Antlers rise from its black-feathered head.Template:Cite

Within World of Warcraft, hippogryphs serve as the primary flying public transport mount between cities controlled by the night elves and the draenei.

In order to travel by hippogryph, you must first speak to a Hippogryph Master at the destination point. Upon doing so, the location will be added to your list of known Flight Paths.

Description

Contrary to common belief, hippogryphs are not simply domesticated beasts that serve as night elf mounts. They are no less intelligent than most humanoid races, in fact - though they are wary of non-elf races, as kobolds and humans have both attempted to enslave hippogryphs in the past. Most hippogryphs dwell in Ashenvale and other forested regions commonly inhabited by night elves, and have been the staunch partners of the Kaldorei from time immemorial. Indeed, some legends say that hippogryphs may have originally been created by the night elves, or that they were gifts from Cenarius. While kind and generous to their night elf companions, hippogryphs are ferocious and fearsome beasts when fighting any creature they deem hostile.Template:Cite

Night elf Sentinels watch over nests of hippogryph eggs. Likewise, hippogryphs care for the children of the night elves. Though most prefer to stay and protect communities, young hippogryphs taken with the urge to explore and see the forest beyond their nests often serve as willing mounts for night elf windwarriors.

Hippogryphs speak Darnassian, but are capable of learning Common and other languages.Template:Cite

Hippogryphs have a keen awareness of aerial tactics. Without riders, they attack in quick dives, striking with their beaks followed by swipes with their talons. Female hippogryphs avoid direct combat. If trapped on the ground, hippogryphs charge, trying to get space to regain the air. Carrying night elf archers, hippogryphs make careful circling attacks, darting within range long enough for a shot before wheeling away.Template:Cite

Cenarion Expedition flying mount

Cenarion War Hippogryph

The  [Cenarion War Hippogryph] is available as a reward from the Cenarion Expedition at exalted as of Patch 2.3.0.

Interestingly, this mount does not have ground animations, and it's apparently intended.

Hortus says in a post regarding the lack of animations:

This is not a bug, Hippogryphs do not walk.

Hippogryphs in Mythology

The Hippogryph is traditionally the offspring of a mare (female horse) and a gryphon (which in turn is part eagle). See Hippogryph on Wikipedia, The Gryphon in Legend.

Note: Within Warcraft, the spelling is "hippogryph", but outside the World of Warcraft, the spelling "hippogriff" is also valid, as "gryphon" is also spelled "griffin" or "griffon."

See also

• Flight Paths