Case file · Folklore / legend
Amirani chained in the Caucasus
The Georgian hero Amirani, who challenged God, was chained in a cave of the Caucasus (often placed on Mount Kazbek) with his dog; his struggle to break free each year is held back by smiths striking their anvils on Holy Thursday.
1150 CE · 42.70, 44.52 · status: legend
The account
The myth parallels Prometheus, whom Greek myth also chained in the Caucasus. The 12th-century romance 'Amiran-Darejaniani', attributed to Mose Khoneli, is the earliest literary version; the year here is approximate. Oral versions are known among Georgians, Svans, Abkhaz and Circassians.
The sceptical view
A myth; the Prometheus parallel may be shared Indo-European or regional inheritance.