The precise function of the Hippalectryon remains a mystery; as an apotropaic and prophylactic animal, it might have been dedicated to Poseidon and tasked to protect ships.

Other studies interpret it as a grotesque beast to amuse children, or a simple fantastic decorative element without any specific function.

The term hippalectryon, also transcribed "hippalektryon", comes directly from Ancient Greek "ἱππαλεκτρυών", a compound word that comprises ἵππος (híppos, "horse"), and ἀλεκτρυών (alektryốn, "rooster").

[2] The name seems to have been used for the first time by Aeschylus in Myrmidons;[3][4] the comic usage made by Aristophanes suggests that by the end of the 5th Century, most of the inhabitants of Athens had never heard about the creature.

[5] The motif might not be an ancient Greek invention: an analysis of Aristophanes' works suggests that it could have originated in the Middle East, and the costumes worn by the people featured on pottery with hippalectryons seem to be Asian,[2] though this particular point is a matter of debate.

[5] Most hybrids appear to have reached Greece from the East, although no early representation of a hippalectryon in Ancient Egyptian or Middle Eastern art has yet been found.

Though they differ from 6th century Attic and Ionic representations, the horse head and the rooster legs and tail are featured.

A red-figure vase featuring Athena waving a shield sporting a hippalectryon has been found; the theme probably was credited with apotropaic and prophylactic virtues.

In The Frogs, Aristophanes states that the motif was painted on galleys in ancient times, indicating that it could have been credited with magical powers to protect ships.

[5] Indeed I grow a great deal fatter passing the summer in this way than in watching a cursed captain with his three plumes and his military cloak of a startling crimson (he calls it true Sardian purple), which he takes care to dye himself with Cyzicus saffron in a battle; then he is the first to run away, shaking his plumes like a great yellow prancing cock.Peace [5]Is it not the most priceless gift of all, to be winged?