Tradition: Yakut Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Apt aakh baga, Aptah-Bag, Magic Frog
Category: Frog
The Myth
Aptakh-Baga is a magical frog with two heads, feared and revered for its supernatural powers. According to Yakut beliefs, the creature could be captured in thick grass at sunrise, wrapped in birch bark, and thrown into an anthill. Whoever captured it had to flee immediately, without listening to the screams of the unfortunate frog as the ants devoured it alive. Three days later, the person had to return to the anthill and retrieve two of the frog’s bones.
These magical bones granted their owner the power to influence other people. One bone, shaped like a hook, had to be sewn into the inside of the right sleeve, while the other, shaped like a slingshot, was sewn into the left sleeve. Touching someone with the right hand allowed the owner to gain that person’s favour, while touching someone with the left hand made the person leave them alone. The bones could therefore be used to win affection or drive away unwanted attention.
However, the magical bones brought their own troubles. During summer, frogs gathered around their owner from every direction, even when the bones were brushed aside with the left hand. Those who lacked a change of clothing had to cut the bones from their sleeves and hide them carefully. Despite their powers, using the remains of Aptakh-Baga was considered a grave sin among the Yakuts.
Sources
“Аптах-Бага (Aptah-Baga).” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). https://www.bestiary.us/aptah-baga