Tradition: Ossetian mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Kafkhyŭndar, Kæfkhyŭndar
Category: Dragon
The Myth
Kafkhyŭndar is a terrifying seven-headed dragon that controls the water supply of the land. It cuts off water from people, animals, and plants until beautiful maidens are offered to it as tribute. Its name in modern Ossetian literally means “crocodile.”
In the tales of Ossetian mythology, the monster is eventually confronted by a brave young man who manages to cut off seven of its heads. Yet another tradition gives the creature a more unusual fate. A beautiful young woman realizes that Kafkhyŭndar can only be destroyed through a voluntary sacrifice, and she throws herself directly into the monster’s mouth.
By sacrificing herself willingly, the girl destroys the dragon and saves the people from its control over the water supply.
Sources
“Kafkhuyndar.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed September 26, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/kafkhuyndar