A mythological creature with a human head and a lion's body, often depicted with wings, serving as a guardian figure in ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures.
From Greek 'sphinx,' possibly derived from 'sphingein' meaning 'to bind' or 'to squeeze,' referring to the creature's role as a riddling guardian who would strangle those who answered incorrectly. The word may also have Egyptian origins.
The Great Sphinx of Giza has been staring across the desert for 4,500 years, and we still don't know who built it or why! Its famous riddle in Greek mythology - 'What walks on four legs at dawn, two at noon, and three at dusk?' - made it history's first puzzle master.
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