The original legend about Kukots was described by Nadiya Popadiuk in her book “Uzhgorod – the World Capital of Mini-Sculptures”. According to this legend, the Uzhgorod castle was once surrounded by a deep moat filled with water, over which a drawbridge was thrown. In the moat lived a giant fish covered with golden scales, with large blue eyes and wings instead of fins. She looked like a long snake and protected the inhabitants of the castle from the attack of enemies, she was called Uzhserpente. People said that she was the bewitched lover of Philip Druget, who continued to serve him in this guise and was immortal. Even when the count died, she continued to guard the castle until 1514, but during the great peasant uprising led by György Doža (the leader of the peasant anti-feudal struggle), the city was completely destroyed. All those who managed to survive began to ask Kukoc to help them save Uzhserpente. Hearing these pleas, a small worm appeared and helped them save the giant snake fish, which was carried and released into the local river, which later became known as Uzh. After looking into the magical eyes of Uzhserpente, Kukots was petrified and remained in Uzhgorod forever. Fishermen say that even today you can see the magical fish near the mini-sculpture of Kukots, which is located on the Embankment near the regional philharmonic hall, but it is impossible to catch it.