Sacred Beasts ยท South and Southeast Asia
Garuda
A mighty bird-being known as Vishnu's mount and enemy of serpents.
Legend File
Garuda is a vast bird-being in Hindu, Buddhist, and Southeast Asian traditions, famous as the mount of Vishnu and a fierce enemy of nagas. He is royal, solar, and airborne, carrying divine authority across the sky. His stories often stage the tension between bird and serpent, freedom and bondage, heaven and underworld waters.
Source Framing
Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Southeast Asian traditions around Garuda: eagle/kite-like divine bird, Vishnu's vahana, enemy of nagas, and regional protective or royal emblem.
