Archura/Arçura (Old Turkish: 𐰀𐰺𐰲𐰆𐰺𐰀) is one of the most interesting and creepy creatures in Turkic mythology. This creature, believed to live in the depths of the forests, was both an element of fear and an object of respect for ancient societies intertwined with nature. Because Archura was not only seen as an evil spirit, but also as a creature that preserved the balance of nature. For some, a demon, for others, the ruler of the forest…
Physical Features of Archura
As for its appearance, the most striking feature that distinguishes Archura from other mythological creatures is that its body is completely covered with hair. This feature is also an indication that it is a creature integrated with the wild. Its long hair reaches to the ground and its eyes have a red glow. But it doesn’t stop there! Archura is sometimes said to have three arms and three legs. Its eyes may be more than an ordinary being’s. In addition to the eyes in front, it also has eyes behind it. No matter how much you try to hide yourself in the face of such a creature, you can be sure that it sees you.
One of the most interesting features of Archura is its ability to change shape. Have you ever suddenly encountered a bearded old man while walking in the forest? Maybe that old man is not really an old man, but Archura himself! It is said that it can take on many different forms, such as a bird and a goat. This feature makes it almost impossible to catch or escape from it. It is said to haunt girls combing their hair at the water’s edge at night. If one day you hear a sound like a slap coming from the water at night, do not turn around and look. Because if you listen and look at this sound, Archura has called you and you are now at its mercy.
Archura does not kill people, but it does not hesitate to cause physical harm. Its most well-known form of attack is to tickle to death. This may sound funny, but when you consider that an endless tickling sensation can drive a person to madness, it does not seem like much of a joke. It is said to roam the forest laughing and pulling people’s teeth. That’s why hunters, in particular, avoid talking loudly or calling to each other in the forest, because Archura remembers these sounds and finds and punishes their owners.
Protector of the Forests or a Demon?
So why is Archura seen as such a creature? According to the mythology of the Christian Turks living in the Idel-Ural region, before Christianity came, this creature was the protector of the forest. In other words, you had to get along with it. If you respected nature, your prey would be abundant and fruitful. But if you did something that would upset the balance of nature, you would incur Archura’s wrath. Over time, with the spread of Christianity, Archura ceased to be a nature spirit and began to transform into a demonic creature. However, the old beliefs did not completely disappear. Stories about him wandering in the forests continued to be told among the people.
When we look at the mythological origins of Archura, we can see that he reflects the relationship the ancient Turks had with nature. Forests were not just an area consisting of trees for them, but sacred places where supernatural creatures lived. Therefore, creatures like Archura became figures that emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature. Even today, we can see the influence of such mythological creatures in some folk beliefs, such as not shouting unnecessarily in the forest or not cutting down trees without reason.
Similarities with Other Mythological Creatures
Creatures similar to Archura are encountered not only in Turkic folk beliefs, but also in many cultures around the world. These creatures, which are considered the spirits of forests, trees and wild nature under different names, sometimes deceive, scare or punish people, while sometimes they are seen as figures that protect the balance of nature.
In Slavic mythology, Leshy is a creature very similar to Archura. Leshy is usually depicted as an old man, but like Archura, he also has the ability to change shape. He can become a young man at will, change his size and take the form of animals. He tricks people who lose their way in the forest, draws them deeper and makes it difficult for them to return. Similar to Archura’s laughter and calling people, Leshy sometimes imitates people, creates echoes with their voices and thus makes them prey. In Slavic folk beliefs, Leshy is considered a creature that protects nature rather than harming people. He punishes those who disrespect the forest, cut down trees or harm animals unnecessarily.
Skogsrå in Norse mythology also shares similarities with Archura. Skogsrå is described as a female spirit of the forest in Swedish folk tales. When viewed from the front, she looks like a beautiful woman, but her back is either like a hollow tree bark or completely empty. Like Archura, she is a creature that can be encountered in nature and especially haunts men who are walking alone. She can enchant them and cause them to get lost in the forest. Skogsrå sometimes guides people who enter the forest, and sometimes harms them.
In Celtic mythology, especially in Scotland and Ireland, there are creatures called Baobhan Sith, which can be seen as a similar figure. These creatures are vampire-like forest spirits and are usually depicted as beautiful women. Like Archura’s shapeshifting ability, they also have a deceptive beauty. They seduce people in the forest and absorb their life energy. Like Skogsrå, they usually target men and cause them to get lost.
Tengu in Japanese mythology also has similar characteristics to Archura. Tengu is a nature spirit that lives in forests and mountainous areas. It is usually depicted in human form but with bird characteristics. It plays various tricks on the people it encounters in the forest, testing them and sometimes punishing them. Like Archura, it can deceive people with its voice and lead them astray. Some versions of Tengu have transformed into demonic figures over time, especially under the influence of Buddhist beliefs. Similarly, Archura began to be seen as a demonic creature in Turkic mythology under the influence of Christianity.
- Beydili, Celal, and Eren Ercan. Türk mitolojisi: ansiklopedik sözlük. Yurt Kitap-Yayın, 2005.
- Karakurt, Deniz. Türk Söylence Sözlüğü: Türk Mitolojisi Ansiklopedik Sözlük. Deniz Karakurt, 2011.
- Sulteev, Rustem. “Arçura/Şüräle: Mythical Spirits of the Volga-Ural Forests.” Acta Orientalia Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae 71.1 (2018): 45-69.
