Being a great lake stretching long and wide, we must grab the opportunity to go on a cruise and felt the chilling breeze blowing into our faces. We climbed onto a boat and everyone found a spot to hang on as the boat pulled out.
As the waves splashed against the boat, I contemplated what Elena told us about the myth of this place…….
The legend of **Lake Baikal and his daughter Angara** is one of the most famous and poetic Siberian folktales, explaining the origins of **Lake Baikal** and the **Angara River**. This myth reflects the deep connection between nature and the culture of the indigenous Buryat people and local Siberians.
The Legend in Short
Lake Baikal, the “Father of Waters,” was a mighty and stern ruler who had **336 sons (rivers)** and **one beautiful daughter, Angara**. The sons brought their waters to Baikal, making him the deepest and purest lake in the world. But Angara, unlike her obedient brothers, dreamed of freedom and adventure.
1.Baikal’s Love for Angara
Baikal cherished his daughter, keeping her locked away so her beauty would never leave him. He even prepared a **magical sapphire** (sometimes said to be the **Shaman Rock** at Baikal’s outlet) to block her path if she ever tried to escape.
2. Angara’s Forbidden Love
Angara heard stories of **Yenisei**, a mighty and heroic river far to the north, and fell in love with him without ever meeting. She longed to break free and join him, despite her father’s warnings.
3. **The Great Escape**
One night, Angara **smashed through the cliffs** that held her and rushed northward toward Yenisei. Enraged, Baikal threw a **giant rock** (the **Shaman Rock**) to stop her, but she flowed around it.
4. **Baikal’s Eternal Sorrow**
Baikal, furious and heartbroken, cursed Angara, declaring that she would never return. To this day, it is said that **Baikal’s waves are his tears** for his lost daughter. Meanwhile, Angara joyfully united with Yenisei, flowing into the Arctic Ocean.
Symbolism & Real-World Connections
Shaman Rock (at the source of the Angara River near Listvyanka) is a sacred site for the Buryat people, believed to hold Baikal’s power. The **336 rivers** feeding Baikal are real—tributaries that sustain the lake. The **Angara River** is the **only river flowing out of Baikal**, just as in the legend.
Cultural Importance
The story is often told to explain why **Baikal is so deep** (from sorrow) and why the **Angara flows so swiftly** (escaping her father). It represents **freedom vs. control, love vs. duty**, and the **power of nature**.
