Indian Mythology
Ganesha
the Elephant-Headed — Remover of Obstacles
Ganesha is an Indian god of wisdom, associated with the realm of heaven. Ganesha belongs to the hero generation of the pantheon. Roughly equivalent to Hermes in cross-pantheon mapping. Symbolised by the elephant head.
Historical Note
Shiva returned home from meditation, found a strange boy guarding Parvati's chamber, and beheaded him. Then learned it was his son. Replaced the head with the first creature his men found — an elephant. Now invoked before every undertaking in India.