Since ancient times, Armenians have cherished virtues such as creativity, a thirst for knowledge, courage, hospitality, wisdom, kindness, and a love of truth. Yet one of the most treasured has always been tireless diligence.

The gods, as the story goes, liked to intervene in human affairs, though they did not devote much attention to people. When they decided to bestow virtues and gifts upon the Armenian people, they discovered that even they did not possess every virtue to perfection. Being brave did not necessarily mean being wise, and skill in battle did not guarantee skill in conversation.

So the pagan gods gathered at the heavenly palace of Aramazd, their chief deity. After a long discussion, they decided that every newborn child should receive an equal share of the qualities each god could offer.

Aramazd would grant the power to create.

Astghik, the goddess of love and passion, would bestow love and charm.

Tir, the god of learning, would inspire a thirst for study and knowledge.

Vahagn, the god of war and fire, would give courage.

Vanatur, the god of hospitality, would grant the generosity to welcome guests with an abundant table.

Nane, the goddess of reason and good judgment, would bestow wisdom.

Mihr, the sun god, would give kindness and a love of truth.

Only Anahit, the goddess of motherhood, was absent from the council. At the time, she was travelling through the distant reaches of the heavens.

Yet she, too, wished to contribute. Patient and hardworking, as mothers are, Anahit blessed every newborn child with diligence, sharing her gift equally among them all.

And that, according to the legend, is why Armenians are so hardworking—and why they cherish diligence above so many other virtues.