Armenians trace their beginnings as a nation to Hayk, a legendary hero after whom the Greeks built their myths of Hercules. Moses of Chorene writes of Hayk thus:
Hayk was a handsome, friendly man, with curly hair, sparkling eyes, and strong arms. He was a man of giant stature, a mighty archer and fearless warrior. Hayk and his people, from the time of their forefathers Noah and Japheth, had migrated south toward the warmer lands near Babylon. In that land there ruled a wicked giant, Bel. Bel tried to impose his tyranny upon Hayk’s people. But proud Hayk refused to submit to Bel. As soon as his son Aramaneak was born, Hayk rose up, and led his people back to the land of his forefathers, the land of Ararat. At the foot of the mountains, he built his home, Haykashen.
Bel sent one of his sons to entreat him to return, but was refused. Bel decided to march against him with a massive force, but Hayk was warned ahead of time by his grandson, Kadmos of Bel’s pending approach. Hayk assembled his own army along the shore of Lake Van and told them that they must defeat and kill Bel, or die trying to do so, rather than become his slaves.
The Battle of the Giants is said to have taken place on this day in 2492 BC. Hayk slew Bell and his army and thereby established his people.
– Posted by Douglas Racionzer (serendipiday.blogspot.com)