The mythical creature characterized by having the body of a man and the head of a lion is known as a Sphinx. In ancient cultures, such as Egyptian and Greek, the Sphinx is often associated with mystery and guardianship. The Egyptian Sphinx was a symbol of strength and wisdom, often seen protecting sacred sites, while the Greek version posed riddles to travelers, devouring those who could not answer correctly. This dual nature reflects themes of knowledge, challenge, and the balance between human and animal characteristics in mythology.