The confrontation between good and evil is an eternal problem that humanity is trying to solve, the theme of art, literary works, theatrical and film performances. It is interesting that many heraldic signs of states and cities, such as, for example, the coat of arms of Ulan Bator, did not ignore it.
The main characters of the official symbol of the Mongolian capital are the white Khan-Garuda, the mythical king of birds, and the snake-naga, the eternal enemy. These heraldic characters also have a different symbolic meaning, which is revealed in a more detailed study of the history of Mongolia, as well as its capital.
Sunny colors of the East
Color photos of the coat of arms of Ulan Bator indicate that the confrontation between good and evil, light and dark forces is also manifested in the palette. Heraldry connoisseurs note that a dark blue color was chosen for the shield of the coat of arms, which seems almost black. This is a rather rare guest on official symbols, like the close black one, which is allowed in small details, images of the corresponding animals and is extremely rarely used as a background.
But on such a dark shield, the rest of the colors used in the image of the two main characters look bright, juicy. The sacred bird Khan Garuda is depicted in white (in heraldry, in silver). A palette of warm colors, including red, orange, yellow, and a bit of green, is used to draw individual details in this image. As if in contrast to it, the snake is depicted in azure and silver.
Eastern mythology
The authors of the sketch for the coat of arms of Ulan Bator could not refuse to use the main mythological character of their people. There is also one point that geographically connects the white bird and the capital. It is believed that Khan-Garuda is the patron saint of the mountain with the complex Mongolian name Bogd-Khan-Uul. On the other hand, at the foot of this very hill is the main city of Mongolia.
In the image of the main deity associated with the Sun in Buddhism and Hinduism, there are several more symbols that are of great importance for the Mongols. In the bird's right hand there is a key, which, according to legend, opens a thousand doors. With its left hand, the bird holds the symbol of happiness, which is depicted in the form of a pink lotus.
Nagas, according to myths and legends, are mythical creatures resembling snakes. They are sometimes depicted with a human head or torso. On the main heraldic symbol of Ulan Bator, the naga has the usual appearance of a reptile, while the question of the confrontation between the two characters, representatives of the Sky and the Underground, remains open.
