The term 'mythical flyer' refers to two characters from Greek mythology: the ROC and Icarus. The ROC is a giant bird of prey from Persian mythology, said to be so large that it could carry off an elephant in its talons. Icarus was the son of Daedalus, who crafted wings of feathers and wax for him and his son to escape imprisonment. Unfortunately, Icarus flew too close to the sun, melting the wax and causing him to fall into the sea.