Weird History: The Hippogriff Trials

"In the illustrious annals of Japanese history, one of the most captivating and fantastical tales emerges from the Edo period – the legendary training of shoguns through battles against mighty Hippogriffs.

As the land was governed by powerful shoguns, the Emperor sought to ensure the absolute strength and loyalty of his military leaders. Thus, it was decreed that the shoguns must undergo rigorous trials to prove their valor and skill. Enter the formidable Hippogriffs – mythical creatures believed to be half eagle and half horse, gifted to the shoguns from the Emperor's own palace garden. Victory was not easily won, as the Hippogriffs possessed formidable strength and agility, challenging the shoguns to their limits.

But here's where the tale takes a truly fantastical turn – if a shogun proved victorious over the Hippogriff, they earned the right to tame the creature and make it their loyal steed in battle."