Baba Yaga Russian Myths

1101 Words3 Pages

Baba Yaga is one of the most well-known figures in Russian folklore. The name ‘Baba Yaga’ can be translated to Old Hag, or Old Grandma. Baba Yaga is very dominate in Russian tales as she travels on the wind, watches over the forest spirits, and is related to death. Also known as "Baba Yaga Kostinaya Noga," or "Baba Yaga Bony Leg" she possesses metal teeth, and piercing eyes, and, she is simply enough to intimidate even the bravest hero. Her preferred method of transportation is a mortar while using a broom to sweep away any trace of herself that she may leave. Baba Yaga lives in a mobile hut rested upon rooster legs, which folklorists have said her hut might be related to being consumed by a monster, until he or she is an adult.
Jack Haney is an author on the tale of Baba Yaga, and he states that Baba Yaga's hut has much in common with a village bathroom, which would typically be the place where many ritual ceremonies occur. This corresponds to the Russian symbolism of her hut, but it may differ from story to story. Baba Yaga's presence represents a motivate for change. Baba …show more content…

Common antiheros may be defeated once, and will never be heard from again, but Baba Yaga is not easily defeated. Baba Yaga is far more than just another witch. Typically, the heroes will fall into Baba Yaga's hands by breaking the rule of the forest, or abusing her hospitality that she provides to people visiting her home. A hero is usually assisted by grassland creatures whom he or she has befriended along the way. Baba Yaga is a representative of numerous archetypes that incorporate elements of dictators of the forest and underworld mistresses in a single story. It is believed that she is linked to the ancient Indo-European goddess of death. Folklorists and theorists believe the forest of Baba Yaga symbolizes more than just a forest, and that it represents the otherworld or the land of the living

Open Document