Griffins are creatures of Greek mythology. They'll never die they have a life cycle. So to answer your question "the griffin" didn't die, "a griffn" died. Just like this wonderful answer above, they DO have a life cycle, just like phoenixes! Griffins lived a long time, and when they die, they will get reborn
Corn Griffin died in 1973.
Larry Griffin died in 1995.
Buck Griffin died in 2009.
Griffin Higgs died in 1659.
Henry Griffin died in 1866.
Clarence Griffin died in 1973.
Geoff Griffin died in 2006.
Marty Griffin died in 1951.
Edna Griffin died in 2000.
Murray Griffin died in 1992.
Samuel Griffin died in 1810.
Lepel Griffin died in 1908.