Tradition / Region: Armenian Mythology
Alternate Names: Torch
Category: Giant
The Myth
Torch is a powerful giant-like being in Armenian mythology, associated with a class of supernatural craftsmen similar to dwarfs and ancient smith-spirits. He is known for great strength as well as skill in crafting and working materials.
He was described as having a massive and rough body, an ugly face, a flat nose, and deep-set, harsh eyes. He belonged to a race connected to ancient beings of great physical power and was believed to dwell in the western regions of Armenia, near the Black Sea.
Torch was renowned not only for his strength but also for his ability as a craftsman. He could shape hard stone, smoothing it and carving figures into it with his fingernails, and was known as both an artisan and an artist.
In one account, he encountered his enemies on the shores of the Black Sea. At the sight of him, they fled by ship and put great distance between themselves and the giant. Torch responded by hurling enormous rocks toward them. The stones struck the sea with such force that some ships were swallowed by the waters, while others were driven far away by the waves caused by the impact.
Sources
Ananikian, M. H. (1925). Armenian Mythology. In The Mythology of All Races, Vol. 7. Published by the Archaeological Institute of America p. 85-86.