What creature has the body of a lion and the head of a human?

The creature that has the body of a lion and the head of a human is the Sphinx. In mythology, particularly within ancient Egyptian and Greek traditions, the Sphinx symbolizes wisdom and protection. It often poses riddles to travelers, challenging their intellect. The most famous riddle associated with the Sphinx pertains to the journey of life, symbolizing its connection to human experience and knowledge.

In contrast, the Griffin typically has the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, while Cerberus is a three-headed dog guarding the underworld, and the Chimera is often depicted with parts from different animals, such as a lion's head, a goat’s body, and a serpent's tail. The distinctive combination of a human head with a lion's body is a defining characteristic of the Sphinx in various cultural narratives.