Tradition: Tatar and Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Zilant, Zilant the Flying Serpent
Category: Dragon, Cow
The Myth
Zilant was a two-headed flying serpent. One head was that of a snake, while the other was that of an ox. With the snake’s head, it devoured young horses and beautiful maidens brought to it as sacrifices. With the ox’s head, it ate grass.
According to legend, the site of Kazan was once inhabited by countless snakes, each as thick as a log. Zilant was their leader. The snakes became such a danger that the people sought a way to destroy them.
The Khan consulted the sorcerer Hakim, who advised him to cut down the surrounding forest and brush and gather it into a great pile of straw. In spring, when everything had dried and the snakes had crawled out from beneath the ground, the straw was to be burned.
The plan was carried out. The snakes were surrounded by the blazing fire and burned alive. The flames and smoke were so intense that people, horses, and camels died from them.
After the destruction of the snakes, the Khan placed Zilant on his coat of arms to commemorate the event.
The image of Zilant later became associated with Kazan and was depicted as a black winged dragon with scarlet wings and tail, a golden beak and claws, and a scarlet tongue. The creature became an enduring symbol of the city.
Sources
“Ostrovetskii Tsmok.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed September 19, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/ostrovetskii-tsmok