The Legendary winged hound of Georgia
Project name: 9 Stories from Georgian Mythology (Created on the SharedStory Platform)
In Georgian folklore, the number nine isn’t just a digit—it carries a deep, mystical weight. It stands for wholeness, the closing of one chapter, and the exact moment a new one begins. If you look at oldest Georgian stories, nine is woven into everything:
- The 9 Mountains – The ultimate test of endurance and the obstacles we have to overcome.
- The 9 Springs – A symbol of cleansing, fresh starts, and spiritual healing.
- The 9 Brothers – The deepest bond of loyalty, family, and standing together.
- The 9-Eyed Sun – The all-seeing, warm center of the ancient universe.(The exact concept of a "Nine-Eyed Sun" (ცხრათვალა მზე - Tskhratvala Mze) is beautifully unique to Georgian folklore. You won't find a literal sun with nine eyes acting as a central deity in other major world mythologies)
Building on this sacred tradition, this exhibition brings together nine contemporary artists. Each one uses their own visual style to breathe fresh life into the gods, titans, and spirits of Georgian mythology, creating a bridge between ancient memory and modern eyes.
This is the first time a group exhibition has attempted to capture the entire, sprawling universe of Georgia's mythos. Together, these nine different artistic voices form a perfect circle—a complete cycle where the echoes of the past meet the heartbeat of today.
Inquire to purchase the artwork: mail@sharedstory.blog Sharedstory
The Legend of Kursha
Kursha is the ultimate symbol of loyalty, friendship, and supernatural devotion. He was no ordinary hound—he was a divine, mythical dog endowed with wings, colossal strength, and paws so swift they could outrun the wind. The most famous chapter of Kursha’s myth is tied directly to Amirani (ამირანი), the titanic hero. Amirani was dragged to the Caucasus Mountains and chained deep inside a cave on Mount Kazbek (Mkinvartsveri). He was bound with heavy iron chains to a massive iron stake driven into the heart of the mountain. To mirror his eternal punishment, a giant vulture was sent daily to feast on his liver, which would miraculously heal every night. While humankind could not help the fallen hero, his loyal companion refused to abandon him. Kursha followed Amirani into the dark, frozen cavern.
For centuries, Kursha has stood by his chained master, relentlessly licking the heavy iron chains day and night. God sends a bird to land on the stake, prompting Amirani to strike it with his sword, missed, and hit the chain instead. This sudden vibration or supernatural intervention instantly restores the iron chains back to their original, unbreakable thickness.
Despite this endless, heartbreaking cycle, Kursha never gives up. He immediately returns to licking the chains, embodying the ultimate, eternal symbol of hope, friendship, and unwavering loyalty in Georgian culture.
Artist:Tekla Kughuradze
A contemporary Georgian artist who mirrors the inner world.
Tekla Kighuradze creates her own little universes on canvas. She has this amazing knack for mixing colors and light in a way that instantly makes you feel a certain mood—it's cozy, a bit mysterious, and very emotional. Her art is really about the things we all feel but can't always put into words: memories, connection to nature and our quietest thoughts. It feels like she's sharing a piece of her soul with you, but at the same time, it feels like she's telling your story too.
