Soodast

Soodast is a concept in Mongolian mythology that refers to a type of benevolent, malevolent, or neutral spirit. It is often associated with the maintenance of social order and the protection of the community. In Mongolian folklore, soodast is believed to be a guardian figure that watches over the lives of individuals and can either grant good fortune or bring misfortune upon them.

Soodast is often depicted as a mystical being with the power to influence the fate of those around them. They are thought to reside in specific locations, such as mountains, rivers, or sacred sites, where they are said to have a particular connection to the land. It is believed that if one is favored by the soodast, they will be granted good health, wealth, and happiness.

In some cases, soodast is associated with the concept of "Sod," which refers to a social hierarchy within Mongolian society. In this context, soodast is the guardian spirit of each different rank, watching over the individuals of that particular status and ensuring that their place within the social hierarchy is maintained.

Soodast is also considered a possible cause of misfortune, and is often seen as a force that must be appeased in order to avoid harm. In folkloric practices, individuals may offer sacrifices or perform rituals in an attempt to appease the soodast and ensure that it does not bring them bad luck.