The Gandharvas were the mates of the Apsaras, and are considered spirits of the air, forests, and mountains. They are male, and have been described in different ways. Sometimes they were seen as dirty creatures who were part man and part animal; other times they were men with birds’ legs and wings.

They could be half man and half horse, or sometimes were seen as fair men who had effeminate features. They were known for their musical skills, their power to cast illusions, and their skill with horses.