Garuda is a Hindu demigod who is depicted as the mount of the Hindu god Vishnu. He is the son of the sage Kashyapa and Vinata, also is the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of the Sun. Garuda is described as the king of the birds and is shown as either a giant bird with partially open wings, or a man with wings and some ornithic features. Garuda is generally portrayed as a protector with the power to swiftly travel anywhere, ever vigilant and an enemy of every serpent.