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The contents of this page appears to be/is absent from all of the books made by Ernest Drake. Be wary of trusting its contents.

The Vishap is a dragon from Armenian mythology said to live on Mt. Ararat, or also in other mountain ranges in the Armenian highlands such as the Azhdahak, and beneath lakes or in the clouds. It was water-based, though in some interpretations it can breath fire. A Vishap could have a lifespan of thousands of years. Its blood was said to be so poisonous that any weapon dipped in its blood would kill instantly. Vishaps were also said to have shape-shifting abilities, and caused thunderstorms when angry. The Vishapakar, large cigar-shaped monoliths that have been found across Armenia near water springs, many with dragon faces carved into the top, may have been created in their honor. The god Vahagn was said to slay Vishaps which threatened humanity. Vishaps feature heavily in such folktales as "Zangi and Zarangi", where a boy hero named Suren defeats three Vishaps who are holding a town imprisoned with his two dogs, Zangi and Zarangi. Legends of Vishaps prevailed even into Christian times.

Description[]

Vishaps are fierce and they don't like humans. But they may only be misunderstood.

LAIR OR NEST- Will usually dwell on mountaintops or in caves, in some stories in the clouds or even underwater (though this may be mixing it up with its relative, the Nhang, a sea serpent in Armenian mythology).

DIMENSIONS- Not specified, though the older a vishap gets the bigger it gets.

APPEARANCE- Tend to be red and scaly, six-limbs including wings, sometimes with horns. In some stories they have lion-like manes almost like an Eastern Dragon. Given Armenia's proximity at the border of Europe and Asia it isn't surprising that it would have both Western and Eastern characteristics.

FOOD- Meat; sometimes cattle, which puts it at odds with humans

ATTACKS- They use fire, horns, teeth, clash and lash of tail; also lightning and causing huge storms.

TIP- Beware; their blood is extremely poisonous.

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