Page "Garuda" Paragraph 16

Undaunted, Garuda hastened toward the abode of the gods intent on robbing them of their treasure.

Knowing of his design, the gods met him in full battle-array.

Garuda, however, defeated the entire host and scattered them in all directions.

Taking the water of many rivers into his mouth, he extinguished the protective fire the gods had thrown up.

Reducing his size, he crept past the rotating blades of their murderous machine.

And finally, he mangled the two gigantic serpents they had posted as guards.

Taking the elixir into his mouth without swallowing it, he launched again into the air and headed toward the eagerly waiting serpents.

En route, he encountered Vishnu.

Rather than fight, the two exchanged promises.

Vishnu promised Garuda the gift of immortality even without drinking from the elixir, and Garuda promised to become Vishnu's mount.

Flying onward, he met Indra the god of the sky.

Another exchange of promises occurred.

Garuda promised that once he had delivered the elixir, thus fulfilling the request of the serpents, he would make it possible for Indra to regain possession of the elixir and to take it back to the gods.

Indra in turn promised Garuda the serpents as food.