Daraja Griffin

Daraja Griffin was released in 1997 as part of the Visions expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, this set was notable for being the first to be designed as a standalone expansion that did not require cards from its predecessor to function effectively, marking a shift in the game's commercial strategy. The set was inspired by a blend of African and Middle Eastern mythology, reflecting an effort by the design team to broaden the aesthetic and cultural horizons of the game's established high-fantasy world.

The card was illustrated by Donato Giancola, a prominent fantasy artist recognized for his detailed, painterly style. His depiction of the Daraja Griffin focuses on a stoic, regal creature, emphasizing the card's function as a defensive asset in the game mechanics of the time. Upon its debut, the card was received as a solid, functional piece within the white color palette of the set, though it remained a common card that served as a staple for deck-building in the late nineties rather than a rare collector's centerpiece.