Mythology
has a mixed bag of giant raptor legends, like the Thunderbird and the Roc, or
creatures that looked like they came out of a blender with mixed
characteristics, like the Piasa Bird.
Another bird-like creature depicted in Hindu and Buddhist mythology is
the part-man, part bird deity, Garuda. The bird characteristics are usually referred to as
eagle-like or kite-like depending on the source.
Garuda, half-man and half-bird (photo: the wikipedia files)
In Hinduism,
Garuda was born from a huge egg with the torso and limbs of a man, and the
talons, wings, and beak of an eagle.
His father was Kasyapa, an ancient sage, and his mother, Vinata, mother
of all birds. He was born with a
radiance that made the gods cry in fear for the end of the world and at their
request, Garuda diminished his splendor.
Before his
birth, his mother was tricked into slavery with a bet by her sister-in-law,
Kadru, mother of serpents. In a
bid to free her, Garuda asked Kadru and her serpent sons what he must do for
his mother’s release. Kadru
decreed he must bring them the drink of the gods, amrita, so that she and her
sons may become immortal.
However, the
amrita was jealously guarded by Indra, King of the gods. The elixir was protected by a massive
fire covering the sky, a spinning mechanical door with spokes on the side
blocking the way, and two large venomous snakes guarding the elixir’s resting
place. Not deterred, Garuda fought
and defeated the host of gods with his power and drank from many nearby rivers
to put out the fire in the sky. He
decreased his size to pass through the deadly spikes of the spinning door. He snuck past the giant venomous
serpents by blowing dust into their eyes.
Garuda took the elixir into his mouth without swallowing it and rose to
the heavens.
On his
journey back, Garuda was met by Indra, King of the gods. Indra struck Garuda with his
thunderbolt, but Garuda remained unharmed by the strike except for the loss of
a single feather. Faced with the
reality of Garuda’s true strength, Indra called for a cease in fighting and
formed a pact with the bird-man.
Garuda would be allowed to deliver the elixir to the serpents to fulfill
his end of the deal and earn his mother’s freedom. In return, Garuda would make it possible for Indra to
reclaim the elixir from the serpents.
Indra also permitted Garuda to hunt the snakes as food.
Delivering
the elixir, Garuda convinced the serpents that a bath of purification was
required before partaking in the drink of the gods. In the serpents’ brief absence, Indra descended from the sky
to retrieve the elixir and left for the heavens. When the serpents returned, they licked the grass on which
the elixir had rested, slicing their tongues. All modern snakes have forked tongues as a result.
From that
day forward, Garuda was a friend to the gods and enemy to snakes everywhere,
devouring them at every opportunity.
To learn
more about the contemporary bird species that inspire these amazing myths and
legends, come to the World Bird Sanctuary and speak with one of our amazing
Naturalists.
Submitted by
Jessica Bunke, World Bird Santuary Naturalist/Trainer
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