Dragon or Griffin: Which creature should I use in my story?

I know this sounds cliche but I don't really care anymore as everything is cliche nowadays and I just want to write something I enjoy for crying out loud. So basically, the hero of my story (won't get into details for obvious reasons) has to find an enchanted/magical sword that was made in ancient times as it's the only thing that can defeat the bad guy. However, it was last seen when it was thrown off the edge of the world (think Norse Mythology if I remember correctly) some 500 years ago or something like that. According to legend, the only one who knows where it is and remembers seeing it is either a dragon or griffin.



But said creature is in hibernation for ages and would be super dangerous to wake up since they are ultra-powerful and not on the 'good' side or the 'bad' side. Thus, it's a huge risk but the hero's only lead and he has to get the sword as it is his last hope to save the world. The only problem is that I can't make up my mind. I was thinking to make it an iconic type of dragon slightly like Smaug from The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, you know - like Tolkien's dragons. But that would be too typical so a griffin came to mind. Now I am torn as I want to use both of them but can't. What do you think? Which one should I choose: A dragon or a griffin?



Thanks a million in advance!!Dragon or Griffin: Which creature should I use in my story?
You should definitely use a dragon. While a griffin would be okay I guess, it just couldn't match the power and majesty of a dragon.



Not to mention that the appeal of a dragon is much more universal - virtually every culture on earth has its own version of the dragon in its myths and legends.



As for name, you should call it Verminthraxus (in honor of the dragon Vermithax Pejorative from the 1981 film Dragonslayer)
Since it has to hibernate, maybe a dragon? A griffin could be cool if it was really old. A terrifyingly ancient griffin.

You go ahead, writing is for the author. If you're not writing to publish, it doesnt matter how cliched it is.

You should definitely publish online though - try WordPress, its the companion site to FFnet.Dragon or Griffin: Which creature should I use in my story?
Since the time of the existence of the earth , we have been talking about the existing supernatural forces so better to keep the Dragon in your creation as it can attract the attention of the reader and glimpse of ancient life .
I'd go with the griffin, simply because it's something different :)



For some inspiration:

http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Mythical+CreaturesDragon or Griffin: Which creature should I use in my story?
Since the griffin has more connection with deep knowledge I would say a griffin, and make the bad guy someone that can transform into a dragon at will . A name for the griffin Brimstorm.
Neither, unless you are a geek or a goth would be my advice.