What is "azhdahak"

n. 1 (context Armenian mythology English) an evil dragon-like figure, the reflex of Avestan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C5%BEi%20Dah%C4%81ka in Armenian mythology and legend 2 a mountain in Armenia

Azhdahak is a volcano in Armenia, the highest point of Gegham mountains. It has an elevation of 3,597 m above sea. It is part of the Ghegam Ridge volcanic field, which last erupted at 1900 BC ± 1000 years.

There is lake in the crater of volcano Azhdahak that is formed from melting snow. From the top of the mountain opens pictorial landscape of mountains Ararat, Hatis, Ara, Aragats, Lake Sevan, the whole Gegham mountains and Kotayk valley.

In the surroundings of Azhdahak there is a lake Akna ( Aknalich) of volcanic origin, “Akn” means "spring (water)" in Armenian.

In Armenian mythology, Azhdahak was a man-vishap (man- dragon). Vishaps are believed to live in high mountains, in big lakes, in the sky, and in the clouds. They are believed to roar and sweep away everything in their path, especially when descending onto lakes. It is believed that a thousand-year-old vishap can absorb the whole world.

According to Movses Khorenatsi, Azhdhak was a king of the Marrs (also known as the Medes), and the grandfather of Cyrus. Movses Khorenatsi wrote that Azhdhak was killed by Armenian king Tigran the Great. Khorenatsi wrote: "Azhdahak means dragon in our language".