The Creation of Lake Baikal
A Buryat legend explaining the origin of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest and oldest lake. According to the myth, there was once a great earthquake — the mightiest ever seen — which created a massive crack in the earth's surface. Fire and lava erupted from the crack, threatening to destroy everything. The Buryat people cried out 'Bai Gal! Bai Gal!' meaning 'Stop Fire! Stop Fire!' and the flames ceased. Water then filled the vast depression, forming Lake Baikal. The Buryats consider Baikal a sacred living entity, calling it 'Baikal the Father.' The lake is home to countless spirits and is the d