1) The lion was a royal symbol as well as being connected with the sun as a symbol of the horizon. The fusion of this powerful animal with the head of the pharaoh was an icon that survived and was often used throughout Egyptian history.
2) The Egyptians built sphinx statues to guard important areas such as tombs and temples.
3) Elegant (like a peacock), Stong (like a lion), and Beautiful (like a parrot).