Homa (mythology)

Homa (in Persian هما) is a griffin-like mythological creature (with a head of an eagle and body of a lion) and symbol in Persian art. Fact|date=February 2007The history of the creature's depiction dates back to the Achaemenid Persians, most notably at the palace complex of Persepolis where a few sculptures of Homa were constructed, as the architects were testing different types to use as capitals for the many stone columns supporting palace excavation. However, apparently the emperor was not convinced that the eagle-headed, lion-bodied griffin would fit the palaces, and therefore other options being lion heads, bull heads and human heads were used as capitals. The stone bird-lion griffin was ordered to be buried under the ground and it stayed there until its discovery in the recent centuries' excavation. All other column capital options are available and at show in the complex with details of their origin.

This bird is a symbol luck, joy and prosperity. In Iranian legends, Homa would fly and then land on the head or shoulder of a king-elect upon death of a king, although this is sometimes attributed to the other Persian mythological bird Huma.

Its most notable contemporary appearance is as the symbol of Iran's national airline, Iran Air, whose acronym is Homa, formed from the initial letters of the phrase "Iran National Airline" in Persian, هواپیمایی ملی ایران "Havapeyma'i-ye Melli-ye Iran".

Persepolis ruins, Iran
A_relief_of_Armenian_tribute_bearer_carrying_a_metal_vessel_with_Homa (griffin) handles. From the eastern stairs of the Apadana at Persepolis, 6th century BC.
Iran Air logo

See also

*Simurgh
*Persian mythology