Griffins are mighty and fast creatures that appear as though they are half lion and half bird. They were regarded as the fastest creatures in the Land of Oz until the Sawhorse came.
When Mombi tried to escape from Glinda the Good, she transformed into a griffin due to its reputation as the fastest creature, but her new form proved no match for the speed of the Sawhorse who never tired and eventually Mombi collapsed from exhaustion, causing her to transform back to her true form and be captured. (The Marvelous Land of Oz)
Jack Pumpkinhead once encountered Snif, a melancholy griffin who said he had lost his "GR", and thus identified as an an "Iffin." Jack and Snif went on a quest to rescue the Emerald City from Baron Mogodore, during which Snif regained his sense of identity. (Jack Pumpkinhead of Oz)