Vishap
In ancient Armenian mythology, folklore, and prehistoric iconography, the Vishap is a primordial dragon and celestial serpent associated with water, storms, springs, and high mountains. According to traditional Armenian cosmology, Vishaps were believed to dwell inside storm clouds, lakes, and subterranean waters, or atop lofty peaks, capable of controlling weather, bringing devastating droughts or torrential floods, and swallowing the sun or moon during eclipses. Ancient stone stelae carved in the shape of fish and serpents—known as 'Vishap stelae'—were erected across the Armenian highlands by