AZRAKA

AZRAKA (from Arabic – scoundrel, deceiver, sworn enemy) is an evil demon in Bashkir mythology. The character appears in “Ural­ batyr” epic. He is the tsar diyu of the underwater and underground worlds, the owner of the Yanshima magical spring (literally – living spring). Azraka seeks to get Khumay bird, Akbuzat horse and a magical diamond saber from Samrau tsar to conquer people and be the master of the whole world. Shulgan, Kakhkakha the tsar of snakes and his son Zarkum help him. Ural­batyr manages to destroy Azraka and all diyus. According to legend, a mountain called Yaman­tau appeared on the place where Azraka was severed. (Beloretskiy District).