Sphinxes

Two types of Sphinx exist in mythology, the Androsphinx, and the Gynosphinx. The Androsphinx comes from Ancient Egypt. He is depicted as a gargantuan male lion with the head of Khafra, one of the pharaohs of Egypt. This was meant to symbolize him closing and guarding the previous tombs and intimidating people from breaking in. The Gynosphinx comes from ancient greek mythology. She is described as a female Lion with the head of Woman and the wings of a bird. In the story "Oedipus", she asks a riddle to those who wish to pass her domain, if someone fails the riddle, they get devoured by her. In d&d, Sphinxes have the same descriptions, and are created by the gods to protect their secrets inside their vaults and temples.