Tradition / Region: Georgian Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Demon
The Myth
The Nine-Headed Dev was the chief of the devs, ruling over their stronghold at Tsikhe-Gora near the village of Avusho. As their leader, he commanded the other devs and dominated the region.
At one time, the devs captured a traveling woman who carried her small child, Kopala. They brought both before the Nine-Headed Dev. He immediately devoured the woman, but spared the child, deciding to keep him until he grew older and could be eaten later.
Kopala grew up among the devs and witnessed their behavior. He could not endure their cruelty and longed to avenge his mother. Realizing that the devs intended to kill him, he escaped one night and fled to a church, where he prayed for strength.
His prayer was answered, and he was granted great power. He prepared for battle and forged a weapon, a mace that, when thrown, struck like lightning, roaring and igniting fire.
Kopala returned to Tsikhe-Gora and approached the devs in disguise, claiming to be a lost hunter. They did not recognize him and received him as a guest. The next day, they challenged him, asking why he had come. Kopala declared that the place should belong to him and that they must leave.
They agreed to settle the matter with a contest of strength, throwing massive stones toward the stronghold. The devs secretly placed kaji nearby to interfere, intending to move Kopala’s stones if he surpassed them. Despite this, Kopala’s throw reached far beyond theirs.
When Kopala discovered their deception, he became enraged. Taking up his mace, he attacked the devs and destroyed them, including the Nine-Headed Dev.
After this, Kopala remained at Tsikhe-Gora, living there and protecting people from other devs.
Sources
Tsanava, A. (1992). ქართული მითოლოგია [Georgian Mythology]. In Tbilisi: Merani P. 18.