Legends
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The legends of Armenia has been created over the centuries. They represent the essence of the nation, convey the national flavor, narrate the origin of important cultural and historical monuments. Below we have collected the most interesting and important Armenian legends which will undoubtedly interest travelers. Here you will get to know the origin of Armenian national bread lavash, will find out why the musical instrument duduk sounds so sad, will read about such important monuments as Khor Virap, Erebuni Fortress, Geghard Monastery and etc.
The Legend of Apricot
It is said that the fruits that grow in Ararat Valley are the lushest, juiciest and tastiest you will ever eat. This is no surprise considering they grow at the foot of majestic Mt Ararat, which is shaped like a pyramid, so the reflection of the sun shines down on the crops.
The Legend of Ara the Beautiful
The powerful Queen of Assyria, Queen Semiramis, was infatuated with the Armenian King Ara the Beautiful. Her love for him was so great that she sent him countless gifts via her messengers, but each one was returned — Ara was not interested. She tried countless times to capture his heart, but to no avail.
As her heart was breaking, she got fed up and declared war on Armenia— her message to her soldiers was to conquer Armenia and capture its proud king, alive.
The Legend of Armenian bread Lavash
The Assyrian leader considered this to not be a victory over the Armenian king, so he said “I will deprive you of food for 10 days. On the 11th day you and I will have an archery competition. If you win that means you are stronger than me, so I will let you go”.
The Legend of Blessed virgin Hripsime
When the Roman emperor Diocletian, the worst persecutor of Christians, decided he would like to take a second wife, he sent artists out into the empire to paint portraits of the most beautiful women they could find.
The Legend of Erebuni Fortress
The city of Erebuni was built in 782 BC, by the ruler of the Kingdom of Van, Argishti. It was built on a hill called Arin Berd. He ordered an inscription be put on a stone stele (a stone slab), announcing the city’s birth. It read:
The Legend of Haghpat Monastery
The monks of Haghpat Monastery studied science, theology, painting and hand-copied books. The monastery was a monument of prosperity of the Armenian kingdom. It is said that the spirit of competition helped with the construction of the monastery.
The Legend of Holy Spear Monastery
There was once a brother and sister who decided they wanted to build a God-pleasing church so that they may be immortalized in the world forever. The siblings traveled to Armenia and went to the beautiful Garni valley—with its amazing views and surrounding mountains. They decided to build their temple right there.
The Legend of Khor Virap
Legend has it, that where Khor Virap Monastery fortress stands today was once the ancient city of Artashat, which was the former capital of Armenia. On that hill, under the church, was a prison pit where people on death row would be kept. This place has great significance to Christianity in Armenia.
The Legend of Lake Sevan
Lake Seven sits upon the Armenian plateau. Out of all the highland lakes around the world, it is special — its sparkling waters have given a home to many legends and well told stories. There was once a land with bountiful fertile soil and beautiful gardens.
The Legend of Master Momik
Anyone who has ever seen Noravank Monastery, in the gorge of Vayots Dzor, will attest to its unforgettably striking architecture. The monastery was designed and built by Momik the Architect, and guarantees to be recalled in one’s memory, along with joy and serenity, long after leaving it.
The Legend of Mount Aragats
When Queen Semiramis of Assyria declared war on Armenia she ordered her troops to capture the Armenian King, Ara the Beautiful. However during the great battle, one of her lovers shot his arrow at Ara, piercing the King’s chest with the poisoned tip. Ara collapsed to the ground.
The Legend of Noah’s Ark Relic
There are many legends that the mountains could tell about the time when Noah and his family descended from the Ark into the valley. One day the Christians of the area decided to retrace Noah’s story by climbing Mount Ararat and finding the Ark.
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