Myandysh

The Sami maintain a cult of the sacred reindeer Myandysh. According to legend, the son of the sun god descended to earth at Manderakha. Today the reindeer remains not only part of the local economy but an important cultural symbol. Reindeer races are now held only in Lovozero and Krasnaya Shchel, over distances of 1,600 and 3,200 meters.