Origin of Baba Yaga
I must say that the image of this character comes from ancient times. Of course, time has greatly battered and changed the heroine of our story today, but let’s first go on a long journey when Baba Yaga, or rather, then Yaginya, was a young, beautiful and stately girl.
So, it is known for certain that Baba Yaga was the daughter of Viy himself, the ruler of the Middle Kingdom of Navi, as well as the goddess Makosh, the eldest of the three goddesses of fate. In those distant times, it was believed that Yaga was the deity of death, that she guarded the entrance to the kingdom of the dead, and in some legends, she was even a guide of souls.
It is worth noting that this character is also mentioned in Scythian legends. If you carefully read our article about Hercules, you probably remembered the moment when the famous Greek hero goes to the lands of the Scythians, where he meets the half-maiden, half-snake Echidna. It is known that as a result of their short relationship, Echidna became pregnant, and then gave birth to the first Scythians. In turn, the Scythians are one of the tribes that preceded the Slavs, i.e. one of our first ancestors.
In those ancient times, Yaginya was considered an indescribable beauty. Sources have reached us that in her beauty Yaginya could be compared with Lada and Devana themselves. Considering the fact who her father was, it is not surprising that the girl often traveled through the upper underground kingdom. It was there that she gained her wisdom, it was there that she learned to understand almost all the languages of the universe.
Anton
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Question to the expert
Are there theories that prove the real origin of Baba Yaga?
Definitely yes. In the article we revealed the image of a woman healer living alone in the forest. However, there was an ancient nomadic custom. If a person associated with magic died, it was believed that his spirit would wander among the world of the living even after death. Therefore, such people were buried in houses without windows and doors, and a doll was left in the house. It was believed that the spirit would become interested in the doll, would not be able to escape from the hut and would stop harming the living. Such a funeral hut could well become a “hut on chicken legs.”
Among other things, Yaginya was also considered a strong warrior, whom not a single mortal could resist, and not even every immortal could cope with Viy’s daughter. The latter, by the way, had a lot of problems with this, because... he wanted to marry off his daughter, but Yaginya swore that she would marry only the one who would defeat her in a fair fight.
It is a well-known fact that she later married, and not just anyone, but Veles himself, who, by the will of fate, wandered into the territory of the Upper Underground Kingdom and met Yaginya there, with whom he fell in love, with whom he fought and won.
Subsequently, Vesel and Yaga became the rulers of the Upper Underground Kingdom, but the Slavs’ idea of the afterlife also underwent changes. Therefore, the Upper Kingdom ceased to be considered the land of the dead, but became something like an intermediate territory, between the kingdom of the living and the kingdom of the dead, between Reality and Navy.
There is also a legend that was popular among the northwestern Slavic tribes. It was believed that Baba Yaga was none other than a mermaid. And indeed, in those tribes the appearance of old and terrible women was passed on as mermaids, who were cursed by their parents, died unbaptized, or drowned in a pond from unrequited love.
Also, ancient Slavic mythology quite correctly describes the story of Yagini’s aging. For example, there is a legend according to which Veles, at the instigation of Yaga, stole the heavenly cows from Prav. For this, the gods were angry with Yaga and cursed her, as a result of which the immortal and eternally young beauty turned into a terrible old woman with a bone leg. And no matter how hard she tried, she could not return her youth and beauty. Thanks to the souls of mortals, she briefly regained her former appearance, but this was only a short-term effect. This is how the beautiful Yaginya became Baba Yaga, entrenched in Russian folklore.
I.
Far, far in the northeast, where the absurd rivers flow their waters, sparkling like precious stones; where the crowns of firs and pines are so high that they are like the Tower of Babel, stretching from the earth to the very sky; where wild animals fearlessly challenge man's right to be called the ruler of nature; at the very edge of the black forest, there is an ordinary wooden hut .
The random traveler who has wandered so far into these lands becomes joyful. It is not surprising, because for many miles around, sometimes it is not possible to meet a single living soul. There is not a hint that a human foot has ever touched these brown soils, saturated with centuries of rot.
This hut is small. It can hardly accommodate one tiny room. Its ceiling is so low that an adult has to bow his head to avoid touching the old rickety beams that support the sloping roof.
From a distance, it seems as if the hut is hovering above the ground, and from this vision an involuntary shiver runs through the skin. However, upon closer inspection, the gaze falls on two thin sticks, no wider than a woman’s wrist, embedded in the ground and supporting the hut with a canopy. Images of ancient Russian fairy tales involuntarily come to mind...
But, all this, of course, is folk fiction, a play of someone’s wild imagination and nothing more.
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As we said earlier, Yaginya was originally an incredible beauty. Shoed in golden boots, strong and swift. The braids are long, decorated with various ribbons and decorations. The cheeks are rosy, the eyes are beautiful, languid, the figure is chic (by modern standards, sporty). It is not surprising that Veles immediately fell in love with the girl, because she was very pretty.
There is a legend in which Baba Yaga’s bone leg was perceived as a tail, which gave her a snake-like appearance and associated her with the Greek Echidna. It was believed that she had the gift of transporting the souls of the dead.
The young Yaga was dressed in clean and white clothes, however, some legends mention “iron breasts”, from which we can conclude that the young Yaga wore armor. This is confirmed by the fact that she was a warrior.
Subsequently, Yaga's image changed. According to one legend, the gods cursed her and turned her into a hunchbacked and ugly old woman with sparse long gray hair, a hooked nose, all wrinkled, with sagging breasts and iron teeth. A mandatory attribute of Baba Yaga was her bone leg.
The old Yaga dressed much worse. She wore straw bast shoes on her feet, and she wore a dirty white or green robe. She often wore a horned headdress called a “kika” on her head.
Subsequently, 3 images were assigned to Baba Yaga, in the guise of an old woman:
- Baba Yaga warrior. Even as she grew old, Yaginya did not forget her fighting skills. It was believed that one of her artifacts was a treasure sword, which gave her frantic strength, thanks to which Yaginya fought on equal terms with any heroes, and even defeated many of them. Moreover, Yaga often shared her artifacts and knowledge with people who were worthy of it and asked her for help or advice.
- Baba Yaga the Kidnapper . Some peoples firmly believed that Yaginya was an evil character. The kidnappings and murders of children were often attributed to her. However, more and more Yaga did not perform well in them. They often deceived her, played tricks on her and showed her in not the best light.
- Baba Yaga Helper . And in this image, Baba Yaga was simply a wise old woman who helps the heroes of legends in every possible way. He steams them in a bathhouse, feeds them, teaches them how to behave, supplies them with artifacts, etc.
As we know from myths and fairy tales, Baba Yaga had eternal attributes. These included:
- A hut on chicken legs. According to legends, this hut was the residence of Baba Yaga. She was located in the thicket of the forest, in places where there is a border between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The hut itself was considered magical, it could move on its own and helped Yagina in every possible way. The hut is always turned towards the world of the dead, which is why the heroes of fairy tales have to ask it to turn around.
- Bones and skulls. Often in fairy tales there are descriptions of Yagini’s place of residence. For example, it is known that instead of a fence she has bones of people and animals, and on top of them there are human skulls, from the eye sockets of which fire or light pours at night.
- Mortar and broom. And this is the eternal transport of Baba Yaga, in which she either flies or jumps on the ground. However, if we take faith in the bone leg as a basis, then it is not surprising that it was difficult for the old woman to move on her own two feet.
- The eagle owl is a wise bird.
- A magical ball that finds its way wherever it is.
- A plate and an apple that predicted the future.
- The broom she used to sweep away evil.
Baba Yaga also had other magical objects. In almost any fairy tale you can see something new and unusual, so the list of magical objects can be continued endlessly. That is why we chose its main attributes that are constantly associated with it.
The meaning of Baba Yaga in Slavic mythology
In Slavic mythology, Baba Yaga played a very important role. In essence, she was the guardian of the border of the worlds. As the wife of Veles, she was loved, honored and respected. It was only later that her image became somewhat tougher, but initially everything was exactly like that.
Baba Yaga as a teacher
Baba Yaga was considered the mistress of the forest. Young boys and girls often came to her to ask her for advice. Moreover, it is known that Yaga stole children, and most often orphans. In fairy tales it is generally accepted that Baba Yaga ate them. But mythology says otherwise. In particular, she raised orphans, and there are many known individuals who later became wise men, priests, or simply faithful wives, because Yaginya shared her wisdom with them.
Baba Yaga often helped adults too. But you first had to prove that you are worthy of this knowledge and artifacts, because they could only harm a fool. Therefore, only the worthy received from Yagini all the wisdom that she possessed, and sometimes even artifacts.
We turned to Yogi for advice, but she did not help everyone. At first she arranged various tests, because great knowledge can cause harm to people if used incorrectly. She taught wisdom only to the worthy.
Question to the expert
Why does Baba Yaga sometimes harm people, sometimes help?
If you believe fairy tales and legends, then in most cases Baba Yaga tried to help people, but only those who were worthy. Even now, the same doctors do not always tell patients their diagnoses. Imagine the ancient times when it was almost impossible to explain this. And of course, after baptism, the image of the healer in the form of Baba Yaga finally began to be identified with evil, like everything pagan.
Baba Yaga as a helper
The duality of Baba Yaga lies in the fact that she had to be treated with respect. She will almost never harm a traveler who reaches her hut. Even the legends in which Yaga roasts children with a shovel can be interpreted as some kind of ritual. Because almost always the heroes manage to escape or outwit the grandmother. Moreover, she often sent the guests away herself, after feeding, drinking and washing them.
Baba Yaga as a conductor
Moreover, the famous Far Far Away Kingdom is nothing more than the world of the upper underworld. So, for example, many heroes come to Baba Yaga. Initially, she intimidates them (tests their fortitude and determination), and then, if the hero proves that he is worthy, she helps him. First, he soars in a bathhouse (which is comparable to the ritual of washing), and then he feeds (can also be taken as a deceased person’s lunch). It turns out that after meeting Baba Yaga, the hero found himself in a position that among the people was transformed into the saying “neither alive nor dead.” However, it was after grandmother’s rituals that the heroes of fairy tales always reached the treasured Far Away Kingdom.
Baba Yaga as a healer and healer
II.
Alyoshka had no idea how brave he really was! And hardy! Well, and, if we continue, also smart. Because, as their leader, Anatoly Sergeevich, says, stupid people are simply not accepted into the environmental circle.
Three whole days of walking, together with the counselor Romka, through the taiga, God knows how far from civilization - this is a real adventure! And the main thing is that now none of his classmates will dare to call him a coward.
When Alyoshka voluntarily sentenced himself to spend two whole weeks of summer vacation in an environmental camp at the Romantika base, he firmly believed that this sacrifice would bring him universal glory. Everything turned out even better than planned.
The bus that was supposed to take the kids back to the village broke down, the phones at the base didn’t work, and the prospect of being home before others, coupled with a subsequent departure to the sea, was so attractive that the most timid boy in the school himself volunteered to walk back with the counselor to report a breakdown and send help to the base.
The plot unfolded as it should. Then, if you’re lucky, you can lie a little more and you’ll get the glory of a hero worthy of chronicles. Well, about all sorts of difficulties. Although, I must say, it was not entirely without difficulties. For example, when, while crossing the river, Alyoshka got his shoe wet.
Or, when on a slope, about thirty meters away, they saw a real bear. But, if you wanted, you could drown in the river for a very long time and, only by luck, survive. And an encounter with a bear could turn into a real battle. No... Well, okay. Not a battle. But they could collide almost head-on, which is also extremely dangerous!
Alyoshka slowly hobbled after his guide, and these thoughts gave him strength. They spent the first night in an old abandoned forester's lodge. We gathered in a tent. But luckily we discovered this shelter. The nights here at the end of summer are no longer warm at all. In a sleeping bag, and in the open air, teeth don’t fall on teeth. And in the lodge, although it is damp, it is warm.
We pitched a tent right inside - and the mice didn’t interfere, and larger animals couldn’t get out of the forest. Now, as Romka said, there is no hope of finding a roof over your head until the village itself. He knew these places very well. That's why he volunteered to go for help. He also took a sixth-grader with him. And, after all, I didn’t want to. But since they imposed it, within the framework of the exchange of experience, so well.
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As we have already said, these days such people who have knowledge about the miraculous properties of herbs and plants are called healers. Our fairy tales often mention facts that Baba Yaga knew how to brew love and healing potions. In addition, in her hut there is constant mention of some herbs and roots that she dries.
In ancient times, healers were respected and often used. But they were also afraid, because... It was believed that they could use their powers for both good and evil deeds. In general, people turned to healers only in cases of extreme need, because... fear sometimes exceeded common sense.
Did Baba Yaga really exist?
In fact, everything is quite real. The fact is that in ancient times there was a semblance of matriarchy. In those distant times, the maturity of men was determined by none other than girls and women. Moreover, the man had to prove this not by his appearance, success in bed or in military affairs, but by actions that really make him a man - the breadwinner of the family.
So, the story tells about women priestesses who, as a result of their knowledge and wisdom, were perceived by society as witches or sorceresses. They continued to be valued when something was needed, but for the most part, people treated knowledge with caution. That is why most priestesses went to live in deep forests.
However, the tradition of testing is not going anywhere. However, now the young man, in order to prove his maturity, was forced to go alone into the forest, where Baba Yaga’s trials awaited him. As a rule, these are simple tests: get food, wash the dishes, cook dinner, chop wood, defeat someone, etc.
As a result of this, the guy proved that he was already an adult, that if necessary, he could take care of himself and his family, he could protect them. And this was decided by Baba Yaga, who watched the guy’s actions all the time.
Moreover, if we take our fairy tales as the basis for legends, then pay attention to the beloved main characters. These are entirely princesses, princes or merchants' daughters, etc. Of course, in order to marry such a young lady, you had to prove your maturity, and not with a neighbor in bed, but really with a lonely priestess in the forest, the mere mention of which already gives goosebumps to the skin.
Thus, it can be assumed that Baba Yaga is not one single character, but a collective image of all the priestesses of the Slavic tribes. At the same time, these priestesses, in our days, can be called healers, because they had precise knowledge of the magical properties of plants and, if necessary, used them for the benefit of people. We can also conclude from this that Baba Yaga is basically a good character, designed to help people. But the characters are different, and hence the discrepancies in legends, images and appearance.
Moreover, during the Baptism of Rus', everything good and living that was valued in paganism was spoiled, desecrated and destroyed. Perhaps this is why the once kind sorceress and protector Yaginya became an insidious and cruel grandmother, whose goal is to lure travelers and kill them. And then, if you know all the facts, even Baba Yaga’s malicious tricks can be regarded as one of the ways to help.
This is what she is, Baba Yaga. As you can see, not all of us knew about this character from children's fairy tales. And once upon a time people really believed in her, and perhaps even used her services. And there is nothing terrible about having knowledge and information, but then it was perceived differently. However, the Slavs perceived all mysticism much more simply, and not like in Europe, where everything ended in burning at the stake. On this note we want to end our article, good luck to everyone and see you again.
IV.
It turned out to be quite spacious inside. From the outside, it would have been impossible to think that in such a tiny house there could be a senza with a decent room - a large stove, a long wooden table and wide chairs around it. In general, the decoration was quite restrained. No paintings, no little things like wall clocks or forgotten books.
Immediately from the threshold, the old woman seated them at the table and began to pull treats out of the oven. What was missing here! Baked chicken, pickles, new potatoes in oil, pies, cheesecakes, sweets, preserves...
After the day's meager field lunch of buckwheat and stewed meat, the guests' mouths were watering. Now even Alyoshka stopped doubting. He wanted to eat it all at once so much that nothing else mattered. Having set the table, the grandmother sat down next to her and watched with affection as her guests finished off their food.
Throughout the meal, silence reigned in the room, only occasionally broken by the slurping and clinking of dishes. Alyoshka ate and ate, but the feeling of satiety never came. Looking at his counselor, he was surprised to find that he swallowed pieces of meat whole, without chewing or separating it from the bones. He did the same with all other food.
Alyoshka pushed him under the table and whispered:
“It’s probably not good to eat so much at a party.”
Romka became embarrassed and, having swallowed the last piece, pushed the plate away from him:
- Thanks a lot. Everything was delicious.
- What, are you full already? – the old lady became worried. - You didn’t eat anything at all! – there was annoyance in her voice.
“Thank you, we really don’t want any more,” Alyoshka confirmed.
“Well then, it would be nice to wash off the road,” suggested the grandmother.
The guys looked around, wanting to understand where this could be done.
- Do you live here alone? – asked Romka.
The old lady smiled - no, of course not. One is sad. Matthew is with me, my faithful friend. He should come soon. So let's get acquainted.
The guys looked at each other. With these words, the old woman stood up and, reaching the opposite wall, opened the previously inconspicuous door and disappeared behind it.
Alyoshka began to shake the counselor by the sleeve:
- Rom, and Rom, well, let's leave! I really don't like all this! Now Matthew also appears somewhat strange. Coming soon.
“It’s somehow inconvenient,” the counselor muttered embarrassedly. She's so hospitable.
At that moment the old woman returned to the room:
- Well, guys, the bathhouse is ready. You can take a steam bath. In the meantime, I’ll prepare the samovar.
In the next room there really was a real bathhouse. Russian. On the wood, with fragrant brooms. Having steamed and felt that the dirt accumulated over two days of travel (and even earlier, during two weeks of living at the Romantika base without amenities) had disappeared without a trace, flushed and fresh, the guys returned to the old woman.
The samovar was already smoking on the table. The smell of aromatic tea spread throughout the room, and this caused some inexpressible languor to appear in the body. My arms and legs became heavy, and my eyes closed on their own. Romka drank tea. A lot of. Mug after mug.
But Alyoshka, for some unknown reason, didn’t drink. While the old lady kept adding more and more portions of tea, Alyoshka slowly exchanged mugs with the counselor. Suddenly, a grinding sound was heard behind the door.
- What is this? – Alyoshka asked worriedly. The old lady smiled slyly:
“It’s my Matthew who has returned from hunting,” with these words she stood up and headed towards the door. Alyoshka stared at the counselor in fear, but he looked indifferent, continuing to drink his tea at ease. The door opened with a creak and someone entered the room...
Cat. Average, black, slightly shabby. He walked importantly past the table, looked around at those sitting and jumped straight onto the stove.
- Matthew! Well, what a shame! – the old woman said reproachfully. “I prepared a warm place for the guests.” And today you can sleep in the senets. The cat meowed displeasedly, but left the stove.
- Does he really understand? – Alyoshka asked in surprise.
- Certainly. He is very smart to me. Romka hasn’t said anything for a long time. How much tea can you drink! Only now Alyoshka noticed that while sitting at the table, the counselor somehow gained a little weight or even swelling. He was all sort of jelly-like and clumsy.
- Romka, Romka! What happened to you? – Alyoshka shouted in fear. There was no answer. Instead, the old woman quickly jabbered:
- He’s tired, my dear. You must have not had much rest. Let's go to bed already. Otherwise, it’s late. After that, the grandmother put them in a warm place on the stove, for good measure, covering them with two warm blankets.
Romka fell asleep immediately, and Alyoshka lay for a long time and listened to the hostess fussing behind the curtain: clearing the dishes from the table, sweeping the floor, and doing something else that he couldn’t make out. As a result, the dream overcame him too.
