Alardy
Ossetian · deity · cosmogonic · deity
A GOD YOU MAY NOT MOURN IN FRONT OF. The Ossetes did not mourn victims of smallpox for fear of antagonising him, and the sick child was surrounded with songs, feasting and bright colours instead — placation by flattery, the same logic that lies behind the shrine-pilgrimage the name is drawn from.
Domains
- smallpox
- measles and childhood contagion
- placation and flattery
Sources
- Reference treatment of Alardy: a spirit or god of Ossetian mythology who inflicts smallpox and measles on children, the lord of smallpox, who had to be placated; children afflicted with smallpox, measles and other contagious childhood diseases were entertained with songs, feasting, bright colours and decorations, in the hope that the 'lords' would be persuaded to leave the children unharmed; the Ossetes did not mourn for victims of smallpox, for fear of antagonising him, and imagined him as a sky-dwelling deity who descends on a silver ladder to scatter death and disfigurement; the name is connected with the locus of Alaverdoba in the Kakheti region, whose ancient and highly revered church of John the Baptist held an annual September festival attracting many pilgrims, including many sick people who came in the hope of receiving healing.