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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-alexander-griffins-legend

In one legend, how did Alexander the Great fly?

In a basket pulled by griffins, mythical winged animals.

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  1. On the back of Pegasus
  2. In a hot-air balloon
  3. In a basket pulled by winged griffins ✔

Why: Old stories say Alexander the Great hitched griffins, mythical creatures with wings, to a basket or cage and flew around his kingdom. Another legend says a Persian king flew on a throne pulled by eagles.

Huh, didn't know that: Pegasus, the winged horse, belongs to a different Greek legend.

The dad joke
Why did Alexander pick griffins? Uber Wings was not invented yet.
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References

Answer: In a basket pulled by winged griffins. Old stories say Alexander the Great hitched griffins, mythical creatures with wings, to a basket or cage and flew around his kingdom. Another legend says a Persian king flew on a throne pulled by eagles.

  1. CAP Teacher's Guide for Aerospace: The Journey of Flight (lesson outlines) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    Alexander flew in a cage drawn by winged griffins
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. NASA Glenn: History of Flight www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/historyofflight.html
    Alexander the Great harnessed four mythical wings animals, called Griffins, to a basket
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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