Russian Frog Mythology

Aptakh-Baga

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Tradition: Yakut Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Apt aakh baga, Aptah-Bag, Magic Frog
Category: Frog

The Myth

Aptakh-Baga is a magical frog with two heads, feared and revered for its supernatural powers. According to Yakut beliefs, the creature could be captured in thick grass at sunrise, wrapped in birch bark, and thrown into an anthill. Whoever captured it had to flee immediately, without listening to the screams of the unfortunate frog as the ants devoured it alive. Three days later, the person had to return to the anthill and retrieve two of the frog’s bones.

These magical bones granted their owner the power to influence other people. One bone, shaped like a hook, had to be sewn into the inside of the right sleeve, while the other, shaped like a slingshot, was sewn into the left sleeve. Touching someone with the right hand allowed the owner to gain that person’s favour, while touching someone with the left hand made the person leave them alone. The bones could therefore be used to win affection or drive away unwanted attention.

However, the magical bones brought their own troubles. During summer, frogs gathered around their owner from every direction, even when the bones were brushed aside with the left hand. Those who lacked a change of clothing had to cut the bones from their sleeves and hide them carefully. Despite their powers, using the remains of Aptakh-Baga was considered a grave sin among the Yakuts.

Sources

“Аптах-Бага (Aptah-Baga).” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). https://www.bestiary.us/aptah-baga

Shulmusy

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Tradition: Mongolian Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Shulmus, Shulmas, Shumnasy, Chulbusy, Chulgusy, Chulme, Chulmysy, Shimnus, Sholmosy, Shulmy, Shulbus, Shulbys
Category: Frog

The Myth

Shulmusy are evil spirits of the underworld who enter the world of the living to spread harm and misfortune. They serve Erlik, the ruler of the underworld, and act as his messengers, bringing illness, stealing human souls, and carrying them down into the realm of the dead. They are often described as appearing in the form of a black whirlwind, resembling their dark master in both appearance and destructive nature.

Despite their terrifying nature, Shulmusy can also take the form of beautiful young women. In this guise, they deceive unsuspecting people and lure travellers into danger. Among the Kalmyks, these spirits may possess strange animal features, such as goat legs, a beard, a camel’s tail in place of a braid, or even the head of a frog. They can disguise themselves as attractive girls who offer travellers poisoned drinks, concealing their deadly intentions beneath a pleasing appearance.

Shulmusy gather in groups known as turgak, meeting at crossroads, mountain passes, and near gorges. These gatherings make such places dangerous to pass through, as the spirits may ambush travellers, spread sickness, or steal their souls. People therefore regard these locations with fear and caution, especially when crossing them near the spirits’ gathering places.

Sources

“Шулмусы (Shulmusy).” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). https://www.bestiary.us/shulmusy

Alan-Melekey

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Tradition: Tuvan and Altai Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Alan-Melekey
Category: Frog

The Myth

Alan-Melekey is a gigantic frog that carries the earth on its back. According to Tuvan mythology, the entire world rests upon this enormous amphibian, whose slightest movements can disturb the natural order. When Alan-Melekey moves even a little, the sea becomes violently agitated, as though it were boiling, and its waters overflow their banks.

One day, an old man foresaw that the earth would be overwhelmed by a great flood. Preparing for the disaster, he built an iron-bound raft and boarded it with a few people and supplies. When the flood came, the waters rose and swept away the other people and animals, but the old man and his companions survived. The raft eventually came to rest in the taiga, on a hill where it remained stranded.

A similar legend is told among the Altai people. In this version, the location of the stranded raft is identified south of the village of Ulala, near Mount Adygan on the right bank of the Katyn River. The story connects Alan-Melekey, the giant frog bearing the earth, with a great flood that destroys the world and leaves only a small number of survivors.

Sources

Алан-мелекей (Alan-Melekej).” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). https://www.bestiary.us/alan-melekej/ru