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THE BIRTH OF VAHAGN, KING OF ARMENIA
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THE BIRTH OF VAHAGN, KING OF ARMENIA

VAHAGN, KING OF ARMENIA

From the History of Armenia,
by
MOSES OF KHORENE

(Fifth Century)

CONCERNING the birth of this king the legends say--

"Heaven and earth were in travail,
And the crimson waters were in travail.
And in the water, the crimson reed
Was also in travail.
From the mouth of the reed issued smoke,
From the mouth of the reed issued flame.
And out of the flame sprang the young child.
His hair was of fire, a beard had he of flame,
And his eyes were suns."

With our own ears did we hear these words sung to the accompaniment of the harp. They sing, moreover, that he did fight with the dragons, and overcame them; and some say that his valiant deeds were like unto those of Hercules. Others declare that he was a god, and that a great image of him stood in the land of Georgia, where it was worshipped with sacrifices.

 

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