Thep Kinnaree, or kinnaris in plural, are mythical creatures, one of many inhabitants of legendary forest Himaphan (Himmavanta in hindu). Described as a beautiful half-woman, half swan, with the head and torso of a woman yet below the delicately tapered waist she has the body, tail and legs of a swan. Kinnaree also has human arms and the wings of a swan.
While the Kinnaree has a male counterpart (the Kinnara or Kinna Norn) and is similar in form.
The Kinnaree is renowned for for her excellence in singing, dancing and poetry, and is a traditional symbol of feminine beauty, grace and accomplishment. She is very popular and her graceful form is often seen in sculpture, traditional architectures, and temple murals.
