In the open spaces of North Ossetia there is a sacred place called the Khetag grove. All Ossetians know the legend about her, as she has been moving from fathers to children for several hundred years. It is difficult to say how true this story is, but everyone should hear it. After all, such a marvelous miracle has not happened on Orthodox land for a long time.
Khetaga Grove: the legend of a man of unshakable faith
Once upon a time, a tribe of Alans lived near the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River. Prince Inal ruled them, a strict man, but fair. He had three sons: Beslan, Aslanbeg and Khetag. Brothers from childhood competed 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 peace in this land for long. A new religion came to them from neighboring lands - Islam. And quickly the people forgot about the Orthodox faith, choosing a different path for themselves. And only Khetag remained faithful to the old traditions, not wanting to recognize another teaching. Moreover, he tried to reason with his people, but they only got angry at him.
Seeing the indignation of the people, Inal drove away his son from his land, ordering him not to appear before him again. As for the brothers, they supported his father and soon forgot about the existence of Khetag. After that, the young man could no longer remain in his native land and finally decided to leave it.
Khetagu miracle phenomenon
It was troubled at the heart of his enemies, and they decided to kill the selfless Christian in order to glorify Allah. They quickly caught up with Khetag, since he did not suspect an imminent threat. But it was not so easy to stop the young warrior, especially on the faithful horse.
Seeing superior enemies in strength, Khetag rushed to the nearest forest. Only there he could control them by attacking them one by one. Alas, there were still trees far away, and the riders were already coming close to him. A little more - and he would have been surrounded, and then even the skill of a warrior would not have saved him.
And then a voice was heard from the forest: "Here, Khetag, rather, come here!" The young man did not see who called him, but sensed the wonderful power in that voice. The Khetag then shouted that there is urine: “If I do not have time in the forest, then let him come to me!” His forest obeyed, and in an instant surrounded the Khetag grove with an impenetrable wall of trees. The enemies of the miracle of marvel were frightened, turned and ran away.
Mysterious savior
The young man looked around, realized that there was no longer a chase, and began to look for his savior. And then the great Uastirdzhi (better known as St. George) appeared, all clothed 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."
Khetag lived another year in the forest in order to comprehend the great truth. Then he gathered his things and went to the village of Nar. Over the years, the young man became even stronger and became a worthy man, and brought into the world the great offspring, known as the Khetagurovs.
The memory of the great hero
The history of the Khetag grove has become a symbol of the true faith of the Ossetian people. That is why it has long been customary to transmit it from father to son, so that the memory of the great hero lives forever. In addition, the Khetag grove has become a place for pilgrimage, where believers from all over Ossetia gather.
People believe that St. Uastirdzhi even today preserves peace in this forest. Therefore, all pilgrims honor the customs and laws that the Khetag grove stores. Legend has it that the main rule is the integrity of the entire array. That is, you can’t break anything in the forest, let alone take it outside: whether it is a dry branch or a small acorn.
Also, Khetaga Grove was closed for women for a long time. However, during the Second World War, saddened wives came here to ask St. George for protection. Since then, the law has softened to them. Now they can come here during the holidays in order to thank Uastirdzhi for his patronage.
What is the Khetag Grove in reality?
Even without legends, this place is distinguished by a special charm inherent only to him. Most of all, the grove has an almost perfect round shape. Looking at her, one involuntarily begins to believe that she, indeed, appeared due to divine influence.
Also, one cannot but admire how the Khetag grove has changed under the influence of time. North Ossetia has done everything possible to transform its shrine without disturbing its peace. Thus, centuries-old ash and beech trees harmoniously combine with stone tables for sacred meals, and small benches arranged along the paths only decorate the local landscape.
And although the territory of the grove is not one of the protected areas of North Ossetia, people treat it with all respect. There is no place for poaching, vandalism and other atrocities, which only confirms how spiritual the Ossetian people can be.