The azhdaha is a great serpent-dragon of Aghul and neighbouring Daghestani legend. It coils about springs and rivers to withhold water until placated, and at eclipses it is the azhdaha that seizes and swallows the Sun or Moon, released only when the people drive it off with clamour. The monster figures in local hero-tales as the adversary slain to free the waters or the captured luminary.