THE SCENE: An Arab traveler to Khazakstan recounts a strange tale of encountering a forbidding stronghold where an ancient evil is scarcely contained by giant mysterious gates and the constant vigilance of the local populace.
THE TEXT: Passing fortresses and small towns, on the third day one reaches the Barrier. The chain of mountains forms a circle. It is said that Gog and Magog are enclosed within. The people of Gog are taller than those of Magog; their heights vary between a cubit and a cubit and a half. Then, one reaches a high mountain surrounded by fortifications. This is the Barrier of Gog Magog.
The responsibility for guarding this gate is hereditary, like the caliphate, and runs in the family of the commander of the fortress. He rides out every Monday and Thursday in the early morning, followed by three men, each equipped with a hammer. One of them climbs a ladder, which is leaning against the door, and when he reaches the tops step, he strikes the bolt with his hammer. Then, if one applies one’s ear to the door, one hears a muted sound like a nest of wasps. Then everything falls silent again. Towards midday, a second blow is given and the same sound heard, but a little louder. In the afternoon, they strike the bolt again, with the same result. The commander only retires at sunset. The point of these blows is to tell those on the other side of the door that the guards are at their posts and to let them know that Gog and Magog have made no attempt against the door.
We asked the guardians of the gate whether they had ever seen anyone of the race of Gog and Magog. They told us that one day they had seen several of them on top of the mountain, but a violent wind had thrown them back to their side.
– Ibn Khurradadhbih, 9th Century AD
