Amirani

Amirani is the main hero of the Georgian epic Amiraniani of the pre-Christian era.

The literary figure of Amirani evolved through centuries, hence his original name is still debated. There is a hypothesis that Amirani comes from the Iranian evil deity, Ahriman. However, I. Javakhishvili opposed this idea stating: "In the history of faith, it is difficult to find such an example where evil deity is considered good deity [in other mythology]." According to every version of the legend, Amirani is a hero who fights for good. He struggles against and defeats evil forces. He is the bringer of fire to the people. That's why in Georgian literature, Amirani’s character became a symbol of Georgia fighting for its independence (A. Tsereteli, Vazha-Pshavela, G. Tabidze). 

There is a striking resemblance between Amirani and the famous Greek mythic hero – Prometheus. Ancient Greeks considered the Myth of Prometheus to be of Caucasian origin. Furthermore, according to myth, he was chained to the Caucasus Mountains as a punishment (Hesiod, Aeschylus, Strabo, Herodotus, Arrian and Philostratus).

Amirani’s mother is a goddess (according to Svaneti legends) Dali, while his father is the hunter Sulkalmakhi. The hero has companions (in some versions - brothers) - Badri and Usupi. They too should be considered of divine descendant. Amirani has giant stature and “eyes as big as sieves"; he is “as fast as a roaring avalanche and as strong as 12 oxen.” He resembles "a black cloud, prepared for a storm." His sword is just as impressive. When it was forged, "the sky crackles, the earth trembles, the forge sway." Amirani’s dog is called "Kornis Nashobi" (Born from a Crow) or "the hound of Orbi that bears the wings of Orbi." Amirani abducts the daughter of the master of the thunderclouds (in some versions the daughter of the master of the Kajs) called Kamar (Ketu). Some researchers (I. Javakhishvili, M. Chikovani) believe that the abduction of Kamar is an allegory of stealing the fire.

The story of Amirani has a tragic culmination: God (Christ) chains him to an iron stake and puts Gergeti and Kazbegi mountains on top. Amirani still does not lose hope, he fights to break the chains and regain his freedom.

J. Bardavelidze