// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the vishap say? Dragon me down.
The Vishap (Armenian: վիշապ) is a dragon in Armenian mythology closely associated with water, similar to the Leviathan. It is usually depicted as a winged snake or with a combination of elements from different animals.The name might derive from an ancient Iranian term vi-šāpa, 'having poisonous juices', used in reference to snakes[1][2]
Mount Ararat was the main home of the Vishap. The volcanic character of the Araratian peak and its earthquakes may have suggested its association with the Vishap. Sometimes with its children, the Vishap used to steal children or toddlers and put a small evil spirit of their own brood in their stead. According to ancient beliefs, the Vishap ascended to the sky or descended therefrom to earth, causing thunderous storms, whirlwinds, and absorption of the sun (causing an eclipse). The dragon was worshipped in a number of Eastern countries, symbolising the element of water, fertility and wealth, and later became a frightful symbol of power. According to ancient legends, the dragon fought Vahagn the Dragon Slayer.[3]
There is a statue to Vahagn, who slew the Vishap, in Yerevan by Karlen Nurijanyan and Nerses Charkhchyan.[4]
Gallery
[edit]
Armenian mythological hero Vahagn slaying Vishap
Reconstructed banner of Hayk Nahapet
Example of Vishapakar, an Armenian "dragon stone"
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ Ananikian, Mardiros Harootioon (2010). Armenian Mythology: Stories of Armenian Gods and Goddesses, Heroes and Heroines, Hells & Heavens, Folklore & Fairy Tales. IndoEuropeanPublishing.com. ISBN 9781604441727.
- ↑ Kuehn, Sara (2011). The Dragon in Medieval East Christian and Islamic Art. Brill. p. 29. ISBN 9789004209725.
- ↑ Vahan M. Kurkjian. "Chapter XXXIV - Armenian Mythology". A History of Armenia. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
- ↑ Group, The Only. "MONUMENT TO "VAHAGN THE DRAGON SLAYER"". visityerevan.am. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
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