Читать книгу The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A–Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic - John Matthews - Страница 268

This wondrous creature with a human head, the face of a woman, the ears of a donkey, the neck, mane and body of a horse, the wings of an eagle and the tail of a peacock was the magnificent mount on which Mohammed made his Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and back again. So speedy was the journey that the water jar which the Prophet had overturned when he left had not spilt one drop of water or reached the ground when he returned. It is said that the same creature came to bear Mohammed to Heaven at his death. Al Borak was also the mount of the angel, Jibriol (Gabriel), travelling faster than the eye could see. Al Borak is pure white, though its mane, wings and tail sparkle with jewels and pearls. The breath of his body is like perfume. Some accounts say that Al Borak can engage in human speech. Elements of Al Borak are reminiscent of the Sphinx.