Tradition: Adyghe mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Adany; Bzentse; Isp; Spi; Zheki
Category: Dwarf
The Myth
The Atsany were a race of dwarfs who lived on the earth before the coming of humankind. They were small in stature, but possessed extraordinary physical strength. Their bodies were so powerful that they could uproot trees and perform feats that would have been impossible for ordinary people.
The Atsany lived in the mountains in stone houses and survived through hunting, herding, and farming. They kept livestock and hunted wild deer, while their women worked the fields. Despite their small size, they were vigorous and hardy people. They knew neither hunger nor cold, and were said to be untouched by death, disease, or old age.
Their strength became the source of great confidence. The Atsany believed that nothing could defeat them, and their ancient way of life continued without fear of any enemy. They considered themselves so powerful that even the forces of nature seemed unable to threaten them.
One day, while the Atsany were gathered at their fortress, a young boy descended from the sky in a golden cradle. He was received by the Atsany and questioned their leader, the “great father,” about their strength. The boy then asked whether it was truly impossible for anything to defeat them.
The Atsany replied that there was only one thing that could destroy them: snow as light as cotton. If such snow ever fell upon their land and then caught fire, nothing would be able to save them.
After asking his question, the mysterious boy suddenly disappeared. Soon afterward, the great father noticed that one of his own hairs had begun to move. Then another moved. A terrible uneasiness came over the old leader as the wind began to rise.
The wind grew stronger and stronger, and soon a strange, cotton-like snow began to fall over the land of the Atsany. Then the snow itself caught fire. Flames swept across the country, burning everything in their path. The terrible fire destroyed the Atsany and brought their ancient existence to an end.
When the disaster was over, almost nothing remained of their world except the ruins of their stone houses in the mountains. Some traditions, however, say that not every Atsany perished. A few are believed to have escaped by hiding underground, where they remained concealed beneath the earth.
Sources
“Acany.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed October 4, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/acany