Kalmuck Mythology

Kalmuck Mythology is nearly related to that of Thibet, the latter extending through India, China, Cashmere, Tartary, and far north. But this mythology has been greatly altered and modified by climatic, social, and other circumstances. According to the fables of the Zongarian Kalmucks and Tartars, the earth was originally covered with water. A great wind-storm arose, causing such a commotion of the waters that from the ensuing chaos eighty mountains sprung up, half of which formed a great range. Seven gods descended from heaven to visitthe earth, and several of them satisfied their hunger. The earth then contained honey, and not knowing its origin, two of the deities ate of the honey, and so lost the privilege of returning with the other five. They then populated the earth. There are a thousand deities, who reign alternately. Six have finished their reign; the seventh, Shak Jumeni, rules at present. Maidiri (the prophet), will follow. But before he begins, the world will come to an end, the destroyer will come, surrounded by seven suns, which will'set fire to the world. A rain-storm, following, will put out the fire, and Maidiri will go to heaven to take possession of his throne. Then the earth will be entirely depopulated, all men having gone to paradise, and the inhabitants of hell will come up to inhabit it. Their spirits take possession of other animals, from the lowest insect upwards, and thus the transmigration will continue, until the worst spirit of hell shall have become human, and worthy of paradise. To reach that happy place is usually only possible at the end of each world period, but those men who have led a holy life reach the gates of paradise at death.