Kazan Serpent

serpent · Russia · Central Asia

The Kazan Serpent, identified with the winged dragon Zilant, is the guardian figure of Kazan: reputedly slain by the Tatar hero and buried on the site of the city's foundation. Prophetic and protective, it was said to have foretold the fall of Kazan, and its image still crowns the city's coat of arms and its foundation legend.

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