In Indian myth and folklore, the nagas are semi-divine beings, the serpent-people who live in the underground realm of Patala. Their city is called Bhogavati, and is known for its magnificence and beauty. Nagas are usually friendly to humans, unless ill-treated. Sometimes they appear as snakes, sometimes as snakes with human heads, or human till the waist. The divine bird Garuda, steed of the god Vishnu, is their enemy, and kills and devours any naga that he sees.