M. M. Ill: WINGED CREATIONS AND 1 FLYING GALLOP' 707

The great majority of the winged figures illustrated on these seals do
not stand in relation to any extraneous types of a religious character. The
motives of security to which the perpetual variation of these seal-types was
due make it unnecessary, with the exception of some special cases, to read
into their origin a religious intention. The cherubs with lion-like hind

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legs, the winged goat-men and goat-women (Fig. 531, a, 6, c), the crane with
woman's breasts (d), the winged bull [g) and the eagle with woman's Creatures
flounces ( /)—et hoc genus omne—are pure monstrosities, and belong to of F^ncy,

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no cult. They are entirely creatures of fancy, and have not, like the ligion.

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Fig. 531. Winged Creations on Zakro Sealings (f ).

daemons that appear on seals and other objects of the Late Minoan Age,
an inherent sanctity—in that case, it would seem, taken over, together with
certain definite religious functions,from the Egyptian Hippopotamus Goddess.

It must not, however, be forgotten, that accidents of artistic invention Did they
or of special technique have often produced types to which, later on, mythical ^emeS
attributes have accreted themselves. Certain compound monsters common of Myth?
to pre-dynastic Egypt and to a very early Cretan cycle have been already
traced back to the crossed figures of early cylinders. The Minotaur himself
makes his first appearance in their company. Were, then, the winged
creations of the Minoan seal-engravers, such as we see them on the Zakro
nodules, an entirely sterile brood ?

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