Grove Khetag
   Photo: Grove Khetag

Khetag Grove is located near the village of Suadag - revered and guarded the shrine of the Ossetian people, which is not a state monument of culture or nature.

About this grove there is a legend that tells of escape Kabardian Prince Khetag from his pursuers, the main purpose of which was to kill him for his conversion to Christianity. It is known that the majority of Caucasians, including Kabardian people are Muslims. The only Christian republic in the Caucasus has Ossetia, where and went Kabardian Prince. When the pursuers had almost caught up with the young man in the open field, he asked the Lord for help, what I heard a voice: "Hetag! Run to the forest!" The forest was not quite close, and run back to him Hetag did not have time, then the voice said: "Forest to Hetag! "After these words, immediately before Duke rose grove with big trees, where the young man was able to escape from his pursuers, remains caught. This grove young prince was hiding from his enemies around one year later, settling in the village of Nar, has given rise to a sort Ossetian Khetagurovo.

In this grove a few related traditions and taboos. One of the restrictions is that from this shrine can not make anything. Even from the very beginning here were allowed to enter only the most worthy men to ascend prayers for health and rich harvest. Prior to World War II women were not allowed to enter the territory of woods. But despite this, they went here to pray for their men, who had gone to war. After that ban lifted.

On the territory of woods you can see the house of prayer - kuvandon. Every year in July, people come here from all corners of North Ossetia on a well-known holiday Khetag. The republic is declared the day a national holiday. It is said that prayers were said in the grove have some special power.

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Grove Khetag
North Ossetian Reserve