Myths and Legends

Beginning of Garuda's Rivalry with the Nagas

Reading time: 4 to 5 min

To ransom his mother from bondage, Garuda agrees to a perilous quest for the Elixir of Immortality.

Garuda with wings spread against the sky
An oath to free his mother turns into rivalry with the serpent clans.

Kadru and her serpent sons bound Vinata to servitude. Garuda, seeing his mother humiliated, demanded the price of her freedom.

The Nagas named their condition: bring amrit, the nectar guarded by gods themselves. It was a demand meant to be impossible.

Free her, if you can,
by seizing what even heaven guards.

Garuda accepted without hesitation. From that moment, his conflict with the Nagas and the devas began in earnest.

Return to Chapter 1 or continue to Chapter 3.