The mythical creature often depicted as having the body of a lion and the head of a human is called a sphinx. In Greek mythology, the sphinx is a symbol of riddles and mystery, famously embodying both intelligence and menace. Its lore typically involves testing the intellect of heroes, making it a representation of the intersection between strength and wisdom. The sphinx highlights the complexities of knowledge and the significance of understanding oneself and one’s environment, reinforcing themes of enlightenment and transformation in various mythologies.