The Uastyrdzhi Monument in the rock is one of the echoes of ancient legends about the great hero George the Victorious. This participant of the Ossetian pantheon is the most revered deity by the local population, which is why he is the first to greet guests of the republic traveling along the Transcaucasian Highway. The Ossetian Uastyrdzhi is a tribute to the legend that is still passed down orally. This miracle was created by architect Nikolai Khodov, but probably even the author did not suspect how popular his creation would become. The monument greets travelers on one of the sections of the Transcaucasian route, and it always happens unexpectedly – the sculptural group turned out to be so monumental and organic.
In general, the image of the legendary dzuar in Ossetia does not surprise anyone – the face of the hero is found everywhere with the obligatory wish "Uastyrdzhi de ’mbal!" He is always depicted on a snow-white horse and dressed in a helmet and a wide burka. The common phrase "Uastyrdzhi de ’mbal" translates as: "May Saint George be with you!" We will tell about the close connection between these deities later, but now it is worth mentioning the appearance and unprecedented size of the monument.
The unusual sculpture depicting a rider swiftly emerging directly from the rock was installed in 1995 near the town of Alagir. Its dimensions are truly impressive – a person can comfortably fit on the hero’s arm! Uastyrdzhi’s three-legged horse is enormous; its head is 6 meters, and the height of the hoof is 120 meters. The monument weighs 28 tons. Why is Uastyrdzhi’s horse three-legged? This feature is explicitly explained by the legend that tells about the life and deeds of the heroic saint. The monument was assembled in the city of Vladikavkaz, but it had to be delivered to the installation site by helicopter because the sculpture was too bulky.
In general, Uastyrdzhi in North Ossetia is unique in that it is visually very difficult to understand how the titanic sculpture is held on the rock – the fiery iron steed with the brave rider seems to have grown into the mountain and is trying to break free from its stony embrace. In fact, the monument is securely fixed at a height of over 20 meters with the help of metal beams embedded into the rock. Below, under the Uastyrdzhi monument, there is a small ritual cave containing a bowl for offerings.
The Uastyrdzhi monument in Ossetia not only attracts a huge number of tourists but has also caused a small embarrassment. The fact is that recently relics were brought to this beautiful mountainous region, which Orthodox Christians hastened to baptize as the remains of Uastyrdzhi. Saint George, whose relics were actually delivered to Ossetia, has long been identified with the hero of the Nart epic, which caused the confusion.
But there is a fundamental difference between Uastyrdzhi and Saint George. The first saint – the prototype of a warlike deity – appeared back in the Alan era, while the second was a real person, a Roman general later canonized as a saint. Therefore, in reality, there is not as much in common between these saints as is commonly believed.
The epic of this brave and honest people is colorful and multifaceted, and the saint Uastyrdzhi occupies a significant niche in the local pantheon. The hero protects great warriors and, through them, all brave men. He is considered a helper who favors honest and kind people, defending just causes. At the same time, the saint hates oath-breakers, swindlers, and thieves. Legend has it that the powerful elder often descends to the sinful earth to see how righteously his people act and whether they help their neighbors. The legend of Uastyrdzhi reflects a whole complex of beliefs of the peoples of the North Caucasus, demonstrating hope for justice and the purity of human nature.
The numerous feats of the hero and his patronage of the Ossetians could not go unnoticed – since ancient times, places of worship for the saint have been organized in these sacred lands. The most famous sanctuary of Uastyrdzhi is located in Dzivgis. The village is hidden from prying eyes in the Kurtatin Gorge.
And the aforementioned monument of the heroic rider at the gates of the Alagir Gorge was erected on the site of Nykhas Uastyrdzhi – a sanctuary revered by the Ossetians, known since the mid-14th century.
In honor of the Uastyrdzhi holiday, called Djeorguba, a sacrificial bull is traditionally slaughtered. Eating chicken or pork during this period is strictly prohibited. The celebrations last a whole week, starting on November 23, symbolizing the end of agricultural work and are marked with the generosity and scale typical of southerners. By the way, this date coincides with Saint George’s Day for Christians.
It is noteworthy that women are not even allowed to mention the name of the Ossetian George the Victorious. And the day of Uastyrdzhi is no exception – they call the saint "protector of men" – Lagty Dzuar. For the Ossetians, this just hero is the most important participant in the pantheon, so whether it is a hymn or a ritual song, the mythical hero is always featured in it.
Sources:
https://apartos.ru/alania/landmarks/alania-610-monument-uastyrdzhi.html
