Angha

I am part of Alphabeastiary, an art challenge that has been started by *killskerry and ~erstwhile-sho
Every 2 weeks we are given a fantasy creature that we have to draw.
Follow the blog here: [link]

Its an amazing way of improving your character designs.
All the beasts that are given are based on ancient Folklore/Literature, etc. We have to draw the beast in our own styles. It really is fun!...

So, The Angha is a Persian monster also known as the Simurgh (and other variations of this spelling)

The Angha is said to have the front head and body of a dog, the wings and tail of a peacock and the claws of a lion. This monstrous mesh is often said to be gigantic enough to fly off with an elephant or a whale clasped in its talons.
Showing up in Iranian art and literature, the huge dog-bird is a dangerous beast with a varied history. Benevolent in nature the Angha always lives near water, and one of the most famous myths surrounded a particular Angha (a female) claiming it as a protector of the tree of life. It protects the tree from people looking to steal it's wisdom without first earning it.
In some legends the Angha can actually purify water from poisons and encourage fertility.