The grove of Khetaga. The legend of the creation of one of the main Ossetian sanctuaries

On the expanses of North Ossetia there is a sacred place called the grove of Khetaga. All Ossetians know the legend about it, since it passes from fathers to children for several hundred years. It's hard to say how true this story is, but everyone should hear it. After all, such a marvelous miracle has not happened for a long time on the Orthodox land.

Hethag's grove: the legend of a man of unshakable faith

A long time ago near the river Bolshoe Zelenchuk lived a tribe of Alans. They were ruled by Prince Inal, a strict man, but just. He had three sons: Beslan, Aslanbeg and Khetag. Brothers from childhood vied with each other, because everyone wanted to become a real man in the eyes of his father. But even so they never crossed the line, remaining true brothers.

Alas, there was not much peace in this land. From the neighboring lands came to them a new religion - Islam. And quickly the people forgot about the Orthodox faith, choosing for themselves a different path. And only Khetag remained faithful to the old traditions, not wanting to recognize the other teachings. Moreover, he tried to reason with his people, but they just got angry with him.

Seeing the indignation of the people, Inal drove the son out of his land, ordering him not to appear in front of him any more. As for the brothers, they supported his father and soon forgot about the existence of Khetaga. After that the young man could not stay in his native land anymore and finally decided to leave him.

The Miracle of Ketagh

He was restless on the heart of his enemies, and they decided to kill a self-sacrificing Christian, in order to glorify Allah. They quickly caught up with Khetaga, as he did not suspect the approaching threat. But it was not so easy to stop the young warrior, especially on the right horse.

Seeing the superior enemies, Hethag rushed to the nearest forest. Only there he could cope with them, attacking them singly. Alas, there were still trees far away, and the horsemen were already approaching him. A little more - and he would be surrounded, and then even the skill of the warrior would not save him.

And then a voice was heard from the forest: "Come here, Khetag, come here soon!". The young man did not see who called him, but he sensed the power of marvelous in the voice of that volume. Then Khetag shouted: "If I do not have time to go to the forest, then let him come to me!" He listened to his forest, and in a flash surrounded the grove of Khetaga with an impenetrable wall of trees. The enemies of a marvelous miracle were frightened, turned around and ran away.

The Mysterious Savior

He looked around the boy, realized that there was no more chase, and began to look for his savior. And then the gaze of him was the great Uastyrdzhi (better known as St. George), all dressed in a bright stream of light. And he said in a low voice: "Your salvation is a reward for your faith, so remember this and continue to carry the word of God to the people."

Another year Khetag lived in the forest, in order to comprehend the great truth. Then he collected his things and went to the village of Nar. Over the years, the young man became even stronger and became a worthy husband, and brought to the world a great posterity, known as the Khetagurov family.

Memory of the great hero

The history of the grove of Khetaga became a symbol of the true faith of the Ossetian people. That is why it has long been accepted from father to son, so that the memory of the great hero could live forever. In addition, the grove of Khetaga became a place for pilgrimage, where believers from all over Ossetia gather.

People believe that St. Уастырджи even today protects rest in this wood. Therefore, all pilgrims honor those customs and laws that the Khetaga grove preserves. The legend says that the main rule is the integrity of the whole array. That is, in the forest you can not break anything, let alone take it beyond it: whether it's a dry branch or a small acorn.

For a long time the grove of Khetag was closed to women. However, during the Second World War, the grieved wives came here to ask St. George for protection. Since then, the law has softened towards them. Now they can come here during the holidays, in order to thank Uastyrdzhi for his patronage.

What does the Khetaga Grove really represent?

Even without legends this place is distinguished by a special charm inherent only to it. Most surprisingly, the grove has an almost perfect round shape. Looking at her, involuntarily you begin to believe that she, and the truth, has appeared thanks to the divine influence.

Also can not help but admire the way the grove of Khetaga has changed under the influence of time. North Ossetia has done everything possible to transform its shrine, without disturbing its peace. Thus, the age-old ash-trees and beeches are harmoniously combined with stone tables for sacred meals, and small benches along the paths just decorate the local landscape.

And although Grozny's territory is not included in the protected areas of North Ossetia, people pay respect to it. There is no place for poaching, vandalism and other outrages, which only confirms how spiritual the Ossetian people can be.