Vishap Fighting Vahagn (Art by Vardazaryan)
Vishap, or Vishapakar, are a breed of dragons in Armenian mythology.
Description[]
They are said to be the spawn of either Tiamat or Leviathan and were thus closely associated with water as well as being the enemies of the god Vahagn. They are usually depicted as winged snakes or a combination of elements from different animals.
Overview[]
Mount Ararat was the main home of the Vishap where they roam its peaks and rivers. The volcanic character of the Araratian peak and its earthquakes may have suggested its association with the Vishap. Sometimes with their 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, absorption of the sun (causing an eclipse). Although these creatures are said to have their home in the lake, specifically in a young or proto stage, the more they consume the further they grow in size, which leads to them having the ability to walk on land and become so large their size can engulf an entire planet.
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. They were so powerful that they even appeared in ancient Egyptian tradition where they battled against the gods themselves, but according to Armenian legends, it was Vahagn the Dragon Slayer who was capable of defeating these creatures. In legend, every so often Vahagn would plunge into the lake to kill any Vishap that had grown large enough to devour the world. Although, Vahagn was associated with Ornstein, a Knight of Hell, who would slay the Vishap and was worshipped by by Armenians as Vahagn.