SACRED ANIMALS AND FANTASTIC CREATURES OF URARTIAN BELTS – MYTHOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS OF URARTIAN CIVILIZATION

In this article the fundamental aspects of the Urartian belt’s mythological iconography are discussed. The main purpose of the article is the detailed investigation of key figures, spiritual personages, sacred animals, fantastic creatures, as well as connected with them scenes, motives and decorations of Urartian belts. Those objects depicted many sacred symbols and images that were parts of religious beliefs and sacral values of ancient Urartians. Among excellently ornamented images of Sacred Tree, Winged Sun, holy plants, stars, planets, sacral signs, scenes of hunt, figures of horse riders, soldiers and priests, the most significant parts of presented iconography comprised the principally important key pictures of Sacred Animals and Fantastic Creatures. Their outlines and compositions with other main iconographic elements created the mythological content of Urartian belts, thus, making those objects sacred and having a special meaning and significance. As our investigation suggests, bronze belts were considered as sacred talismans or “mini-temples” serving the purpose of carrying Divine Forces and the images of Gods, Genies, Sacred Animals and Fantastic Creatures in one given amulet-object, that inspired Urartians in their war or piece activities, and, according to their beliefs, helped them to achieve the victory and success in all undertakings.