SKETCH-OF-THE-DAY 091

Z is for Zägh

A mysterious giant bird in Islamic mythology, Zägh is said to have a human head and the ability to understand and speak all the languages of mankind. So basically, a big, weird, translator that is able to fly from one language-barriered conversation to the next.

This manface bird could have been very useful to the Babylonians when they were trying to build their crazy tower. If you recall, the Tower of Babel was supposed to be built high enough to reach heaven - but since it was being built as a testament to the ingenuity and totally-awesomeness of mankind (and not the totally-awesomeness of God), Yahweh came down and bestowed upon the Babylonians citywide language confusion. The Babylonians could not understand one another anymore. The brick layers wanted more mortar but they kept getting tunafish casserole - the architects demanded more buttresses but kept getting slapped in the face. Thusly, their lack of communication halted construction of their ridiculous tower and it fell into ruin.

AGGREGATE update: My 80-page book of delightful pencil drawings, sketches, and doodles is nearing the end of the printing process. If all goes well, I should have the books in a week or less!