In Hindu mythology, Vinata is the sister of Kadru and the daughter of the holy sage Daksha.
Vinata gives birth to eagles, the most renowned of which is Garuda, while Kadru gives birth to serpents.
Conflict between these two sisters is said to be the source
of the traditional animosity between these two species of animals.
One day, the sisters argue over the color of a certain
heavenly horse's tail, with Vinata claiming it is white and Kadru claiming it
is black.
The argument intensifies until they agree that the one who is
incorrect will become a slave to the other.
To assure her win, Kadru convinces a number of her children
to hang from the horse's back, making the tail seem black from a distance.
When Vinata sees the black snakes, she acknowledges her loss
and is forced to serve Kadru under exceedingly difficult circumstances for many
years.
She is eventually saved by her son, Garuda, who, upon
discovering what has happened, begins a never-ending campaign of snake
extermination.
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