Myths of the Peoples of the Caucasus

In the rich and multifaceted mythology of the peoples of the Caucasus, features of ancient, Christian, Islamic, Turkic, and Iranian traditions are interwoven in an unusual way—and in this cultural blend real masterpieces of epic and folklore are born. In one legend you can meet a deva, King Solomon, and the archangel Michael—and that in no way surprises anyone.

Caucasian mythology poetizes and animates everything: legendary rulers, national heroes, celestial bodies, mountain peaks, fruit trees, musical instruments, and even diseases. This book invites you on an amazing journey across legendary Caucasus, to learn about the myths and legends of its many peoples—Georgians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Dagestanis, Ossetians, Lezgins, and many others. You will learn who the vishaps and batonebi are, what tree in Armenia bears the fruits of knowledge of good and evil, and how, according to an Azerbaijani legend, a dove became a symbol of peace.