APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Kazakh Mythology - Mythical Creatures, Significant Figures, and Artifacts

Tengrism is an ancient religion, originating from Mongolia, that spread throughout Central Asia. It was based on the worship of Tengri, the Supreme God of the Sky. It had a significant influence on Kazakh mythology, introducing new concepts, such as the celestial hierarchy and the worship of the sun and the moon.

Due to this, there is often overlap of Mongolian mythology with Kazakh mythology, as well as with Turkic mythology.

Significant Figures

Aytuar: It is a mythical creature known as the protector of the steppe. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior riding a horse with a spear in his hand. He is believed to protect the Kazakh people from their enemies and is associated with courage and strength. He is a symbol of the Kazakh people's resilience and determination.

Mythical Creatures

Albasti: It is a legendary creature in Kazakh mythology, believed to be a giant bird with a wingspan of more than ten meters. It has the ability to control the weather, as when it flaps its wings, it can create powerful storms. It can also heal people with its tears.

Samruk: It is a mythical bird believed to be a sacred bird that brings good luck and prosperity. It lays a golden egg every year, which serves as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is also believed it can grant wishes and bring good fortune to those who are fortunate enough to see it.

Tulpar: It is a winged horse, similar to the pegasus from Greek mythology. It has the ability to heal people with its breath, and is often depicted in Kazakh art as a symbol of strength and freedom.

Shurale: It is a forest spirit believed to be a mischievous creature living in forests and mountains. It can shapeshift into different forms and is known to play pranks on humans. It can control the weather by causing storms and lightning strikes.

Protective Spirits & Totems

Kambar-Ata: It is one of the most revered protective spirits in Kazakh mythology, believed to be a powerful and wise guardian who watches over the land and its people. It is often depicted as a large, white wolf with piercing blue eyes and a gentle demeanor. Many believed those under its protection are blessed with good luck and prosperity.

Ot-Ana: It is a mythical creature believed to be the mother of all animals and is often depicted as a beautiful, white mare with wings. She has a gentle and nurturing nature, watching over the animals of the land to ensure their safety and well-being. Those who show kindness and respect to animals are blessed by Ot-Ana with good fortune and prosperity.

Creatures from Folkloric Legends

Aldar kose: He is the main character of a Kazakhstan folk fairytale. He is depicted in fairytales as a swindler, cheating the rich and greedy people in order to help the poor people (similar to Robin Hood).

Almas: It is a folk creature said to inhabit Caucasus, Tian Shan, and Pamir Mountains of Central Asia and the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia. Its existence is disputed, but some have described its appearance as having a flat face like a human, walking on two legs, with a body covered in thick, black fur. Its feet has big claws, its strength terrible, leaving hunters afraid of attacking it. Many moved their homes from where this creature visited.

Kapchagai highway ghost: In the Khankol village of the Karatobin district, residents have claimed seeing a ghostly woman with light-colored hair. Her appearance has frightened many, leaving even men crying in fear. Some have explained they witnessed it coming towards their truck, scaring them to the point where they almost have a car accident. Others say this ghost have knocked on car windows and appeared in an attempt to make them veer off the road.

Zhalmauyz Kempіr: She is often described as an old, ugly hag with grotesque features like seven heads, sharp claws, one eye, and a set of hooves. She possesses supernatural strength and magical power, as well as the ability to change her appearance at will. In Kazakh folkloric stories, she is represented as a great evil or a helper to others in fairytales. However, her common appearance is that of a villain--one who kidnaps children and kills people. 

Zheztyrnak: Her name means "copper nails." She is another witch from Kazakh folklore depicted as a young, beautiful woman with long copper nails. 

Mythical Places

Mount Baiterek: This mountain is the place where the world was created. It is believed this mountain is home to spirits and supernatural creatures, and is a sacred place where people go to pray and seek blessings.

Shambala: It is a hidden city somewhere in the Himalayas. It is believed to be a peaceful and prosperous place where people live in harmony with nature, and is home to highly advanced spiritual masters who possess great knowledge and power.

Amulets

Tumar Amulet: It is considered a powerful talisman that can protect the wearer from evil spirits and bring good luck. They are usually made of metal, wood, or bone and are often in the shape of a triangle. Kazakh Tanba signs, believed to have magical properties, are inscribed on this amulet. It is often used for various rituals/ceremonies, like weddings, funerals, etc. The amulet is usually worn around the neck or tied to the clothing of those wearing it. It is believed it can help those who wear it overcome great obstacles and achieve success in life.

Jetigen Amulet: It is a protective charm that can ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to those who wear it. It is usually made of metal or bone and is often in the shape of the crescent moon. Like the Tumar Amulet, it is often used in various rituals/ceremonies, like the birth of a child or construction of a new house. During these ceremonies, the amulet is usually placed in a special location or buried in the ground to protect the people and the property from evil spirits.