Garuda

Garuda (ガルダ, Garuda) is a recurring demon in the series, based on Hindu lore.

History
The Garuda is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

In Hindu mythology, a Garuda is a lesser Hindu divinity, usually the mount of Vishnu. Garuda is depicted as having a golden body, white face, red wings, and an eagle's beak, but with a strong man's body. He wears a crown on his head. He is ancient and has size enough to block out the sun.

In Buddhist mythology, the garudas are enormous predatory birds with intelligence and social organization. Like the Nagas, they combine the characteristics of animals and divine beings, and may be considered to be among the lowest devas. In Japan, he is called the Karura, a beast that breathes fire and attacks anyone unless they convert to the teachings of Dainichi Nyorai or unless they are a dragon wearing a Buddhist talisman.

The exact size of the garuda is uncertain, but its wings are said to have a span of many miles. This may be a poetic exaggeration, but it is also said that when a garuda's wings flap, they create hurricane-like winds that darken the sky and blow down houses. A human being is so small compared to a garuda that a man can hide in the plumage of one without being noticed. They are also capable of tearing up entire banyan trees from their roots and carrying them off.

In both Hindu and Buddhist mythologies, the Garuda is an enemy of the Naga race.

Appearances

 * Megami Tensei II: Shinjuu Clan
 * Kyuuyaku Megami Tensei (Megami Tensei II): Shinjuu Clan
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Reichou Clan
 * Shin Megami Tensei II: Reichou Clan
 * Giten Megami Tensei: Reichou Clan
 * Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne: Avian Race
 * Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE: Avian Race
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey: Avian Race
 * Majin Tensei: Reichou Clan
 * Majin Tensei II: Reichou Clan
 * Persona 3: Star Arcana
 * Persona 3: FES: Star Arcana
 * Persona 4: Star Arcana
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Reichou Clan
 * Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers: Reichou Clan
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Red Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Black Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children White Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: DemiKids: Dark Version
 * Shin Megami Tensei: DemiKids: Light Version
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Fire Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Ice Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Black Book/Red Book (PS)
 * Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner: Boss
 * Devil Survivor: Avian Race
 * Devil Survivor 2: Avian Race

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Garuda can only be obtained by Evolving a Sparna.

Persona 4
Fusion
 * Mara (Tower Arcana) + Okuninushi (Emperor Arcana)
 * Succubus (Devil Arcana) + White Rider (Death Arcana)
 * Trumpeter (Judgement Arcana) + Mothman (Hermit Arcana)
 * Anubis (Judgement Arcana) + Shiki-Ouji (Fool Arcana) + Queen Mab (Lover Arcana)

Shuffle Time
 * Heaven