Tradition / Region: Armenian Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Toad
The Myth
The Gort Dev is a toad-like demonic being in Armenian belief, associated with night, disease, and harmful forces. It is linked to the broader class of dark creatures connected with evil powers and is regarded as unclean and dangerous.
Toads were seen as part of a group of evil animals that act especially at night, alongside snakes, scorpions, ants, and other harmful creatures. These beings were believed to pursue humans in darkness, either alone or together.
The Gort Dev was specifically associated with illness. It was thought to cause warts on the hands and was considered responsible for certain physical afflictions. Because of this, it was not to be killed with a stone.
Encounters with it required protective actions. When a person saw a toad, especially at night, they would spit on their hands and feet as a way to guard against its harmful effects and against other evil beings.
It was also believed that seeing a toad could cause harm to the body, such as making a person lose their teeth, which is why one was expected to immediately close the mouth upon seeing it.
Sources
Abeghyan, M. (1899). Der armenische Volksglaube (English translation: Armenian Folk Beliefs). In Leipzig. Translated by Bedrosian, R. p. 25.