Bubo

Creator: Ray Harryhausen

Film: Clash of the Titans 1981

Bubo Video Clip

 

In early Indian folklore, Owls represent wisdom and helpfulness, and have powers of prophecy. This theme recurs in Aesop's fables and in Greek myths and beliefs. After Perseus' first encounter with Calibos in the marshes he loses his magical helmet, Zeus decides to provide him with a replacement to aid him in his quest to save the princess. Bubo was Athena's beloved magical owl, Zeus commands her to hand over her owl to Perseus, but she "will never part" with her owl. She decides to build an exact replica of Bubo but made of brass and iron with the help of Hephaestus. Perseus, Ammon, Thalo and the princess find themselves lost in the desert in search of the Stygian Witches with nothing in the horizon as far as they can see. Out of nowhere this mysterious flying object appears in the distance, as it gets closer they realize that its an owl, an owl made of iron. Perseus seems to be the only one who understands its language of clicks and weird sounds. Bubo shows them the way to the Stygian Witches and towards the end of the film he rescues Pegasus from the clutches of the Cavemen and actually attacks the Kraken. In the final moments of the film when the Kraken knocks down Perseus and Pegasus and the head of medusa lands in the water but Bubo reaches for the head and gives it to Perseus who then turns the Kraken into stone. 

 

 

 

 

 

Bubo Facts

• Contrary to what many believe Bubo was created "before" R2D2 from Star Wars.

 

• There where three different models of Bubo a detailed 18 inch model for close-ups, a medium 4 inch high model for the flying sequences and a very small 1 1/2 inch model for the long shots.

 

• They also created an actual radio controlled mechanized model built by Colin Chivers and David Knwoles, this model was used in scenes where he was handled by the actors.

Credit: An Animated Life

By Tony Dalton