Abstract:

Myths are the efforts of human beings trying to understand the world to make sense of natural events. These myths, which were created as a result of fears, needs, the desire for eternal life and the effort to make the gods happy, are documents reflecting the beliefs of the time. Sometimes they appear as regular and measured poems with the name of epic, and sometimes as exaggerated stories of heroes. The main feature of the myths that describe the birth of the gods, their struggles, the creation of the universe, and worldly issues is that the events described are transformed into extraordinary and supernatural features. Myths, which were given a sacred status while being transmitted through certain rituals, have survived to the present day by turning into symbols over time. Although the gods in its content usually take the lead role, the supernatural creatures sometimes seen as fighters and sometimes as helpers are the products of a unique imagination. In this study, in which different and similar versions of the human-headed bird item, which is frequently encountered in the cultural inventory of many societies, are investigated, the data obtained by making literature reviews are brought together within the scope of the subject. The characteristics of these mythical creatures, which are known by different names in the myths of societies, were evaluated within the framework of beliefs, and the changes and transformations they acquired in their intercultural journeys were examined. It is aimed to contribute to science and art by bringing together the data obtained in this study, in which the cultural belonging of supernatural creatures with female heads and bird bodies is investigated.

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