The Myth

In the Epic of Geser, the Giant Ravens dwell in a dark valley within the kingdom of the mangadhai, the land of evil spirits. The valley is filled with enormous black ravens that lie sleeping until travelers approach, whereupon they rise into the air, circling overhead with harsh caws and croaks. The surrounding cliffs are so steep that even an eagle cannot fly over them, leaving no escape.

As Tumen Jargalan, the wife of Abai Geser, attempts to cross the valley, the ravens gather around her and she finds herself trapped. At that moment, a mysterious naked little red boy appears, riding a white raven while leading a black raven. After hearing where she is going, he tells her she has arrived at the proper time, seats her upon the raven he leads, and flies her safely across the valley of the giant ravens.

Tradition / Region: Buryat Mythology, Mongolian Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative names: Giant Magpies
Category: Bird

The Myth

In the Epic of Geser, the Giant Magpies inhabit a terrible valley within the land of the mangadhai, the realm of evil spirits. Each magpie is described as having a body as large as a cow, and they lie sleeping across the valley, blocking all passage. Anyone attempting to cross risks being devoured, while the surrounding cliffs are so high that even an eagle cannot fly over them.

After abandoning her husband, the hero Abai Geser, Tumen Jargalan enters the valley and finds herself trapped among the monstrous birds. As the giant magpies stir and threaten to eat her, a mysterious naked little red boy appears, riding a spotted magpie and leading another. Hearing her purpose, he declares that she has arrived at the proper time, places her upon the magpie he leads, and safely carries her over the valley of the enormous birds.

Sources

Jamba, T. (Trans.). (n.d.). The Battle with Abarga Sesen Mangadhai (The Seventh Branch). BuryatMongol.com. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://web.archive.org/web/20070613200651/http://www.buryatmongol.com/halaa7.html