Creatures with Wings

Along with gods and goddesses, mythologies are full of flying creatures, such as the winged horse Pegasus. Dragons are found in legends across the world, and many cultures depict them as having the power to fly.

The Oni of Japan were humanlike flying demons who used their sharp claws to take hold of the spirits of dying people who had led evil lives. Ireland had evil spirits that traveled on the west wind to grab the souls of the dying. Vampires also may fly, either on their own or by turning themselves into bats, depending on the version of the legend.

Some flying creatures were part human and part spirit. The Smaj of Serbia served as the protectors of the Serbian people and could spit fire on enemies from the air. The Kanae of Polynesia changed into flying fish, giv­ing them the ability to travel through water or air.

The Jewish and Christian faiths also include creatures that can fly. The good ones, of course, are angels. The evil ones are demons, who carry out the work of Satan. Not all accounts of these crea­tures give them wings, but they were typically shown that way from the Middle Ages onward.

The mythology of Malaysia provides a different twist. It tells the tale of

PEGASUS AND BELLEROPHON

Bellerophon, a figure of Greek mytho­logy, was a skilled horseman. During his travels, he was given the difficult task of fighting the Chimera, a monstrous beast that was part lion and part dragon. Acting on the suggestion that he use the winged horse Pegasus, Bellerophon placed a golden bridle-given to him by the goddess Athena-on the steed, thereby taming him. Mounted on Pegasus, Bellerophon killed the Chimera.

Bellerophon lived happily for many years until he decided to take another ride on Pegasus. Foolishly, he set his goal as Mount Olympus, home to the gods. Enraged by Bellerophon’s boldness, Zeus sent a fly that bit Pegasus, causing the horse to buck. The sudden move threw Bellerophon from his mount, and he fell toward Earth. Athena prepared a soft landing for him on the ground, prevent­ing his death. Bellerophon was left crip­pled, however, and Pegasus flew away.

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Подпись: O The myth of Icarus is one of the most enduring stories of people's attempts to fly. This print shows Icarus falling from the sky after his wax wings melted in the heat of the Sun.

Sheikh Ali, an evil ruler who controlled three armies of flying animals—horses, lions, and elephants.