Baba Yaga’s stories have fascinated hundreds if not thousands of people in Russia and around the world. I know I’ve heard her name while growing up. In these stories, Baba Yaga is always an old crone they generally hates the humans residing in her country. But, she will still test them to see if they are worthy of her help. Some failed and others passed. And, there was always the threat of being eaten in every case. In one of the more modern tales, “Baba Yaga and the Pelican Child,” Baba Yaga is the one who is tested and there is no threat of being eaten, although the threat of death still hangs in the air.
That modern story is the only time where Baba Yaga is not the one doing the testing. Also, she is not a threat to the the human that arrives at her door step. In every other case, the humans in question have every reason to fear Baba Yaga and tread as carefully as possible. Baba Yaga is well known for her hatred of russians as well as having an appetite for their flesh. Because of this she is greatly feared by all who call upon her. But, her advice and aid is incomparable and, as such, is greatly welcomed should the opportunity to receive it arise. In other words, no one is stupid enough to turn down her help should it be offered. Yes, you have to pass a test, but such aid is worth it. Besides, it is well known that you have to earn everything in this world. Baba Yaga’s aid is no exception.
Now, I wanted to write a story that spoke of Baba Yaga’s youth and told us how she became a cannibal and a hater of russians. At the same time, I wanted to uphold her legacy and a magical being that provided advice and aid to those that she deemed worthy of it. That is a very difficult task for Baba Yaga is a moody character at best and is, therefore, very difficult to grasp. She isn’t the type you can just write about at random. So, I put all my effort to telling a tale of Baba Yaga’s youth and connecting the maiden version with the crone version. Little things like an interest in events around her to show why she can’t help but aid those that come to her, being close to the forest she lives in so that people know why she is so protective of it, and giving a reason for why she enjoys the taste of Russian flesh. It is impossible to say whether or not I succeeded in my attempt at capturing Baba Yaga’s character and transforming her into a maiden. But, I hope that I managed to at least give people something that relates to Baba Yaga’s legacy and maybe even give them some things to think about. After all, isn’t that what every story is meant to do? Making someone stop and think is the goal of all writers, whether they realize it or not.
The pictures were really difficult to find. Google images is full of all sorts of images and finding a certain few is very difficult, especially if you are looking for a particular image. The header image for this page was easier. I just picked one that was created by me. Nothing to dig through or reference. No need to worry about upsetting someone because they are feel like I stole from them. All that was required was a simple one file, pick which image I wanted, and click open. Simplicity at it's finest. Makes me feel like sighing with satisfaction.
That modern story is the only time where Baba Yaga is not the one doing the testing. Also, she is not a threat to the the human that arrives at her door step. In every other case, the humans in question have every reason to fear Baba Yaga and tread as carefully as possible. Baba Yaga is well known for her hatred of russians as well as having an appetite for their flesh. Because of this she is greatly feared by all who call upon her. But, her advice and aid is incomparable and, as such, is greatly welcomed should the opportunity to receive it arise. In other words, no one is stupid enough to turn down her help should it be offered. Yes, you have to pass a test, but such aid is worth it. Besides, it is well known that you have to earn everything in this world. Baba Yaga’s aid is no exception.
Now, I wanted to write a story that spoke of Baba Yaga’s youth and told us how she became a cannibal and a hater of russians. At the same time, I wanted to uphold her legacy and a magical being that provided advice and aid to those that she deemed worthy of it. That is a very difficult task for Baba Yaga is a moody character at best and is, therefore, very difficult to grasp. She isn’t the type you can just write about at random. So, I put all my effort to telling a tale of Baba Yaga’s youth and connecting the maiden version with the crone version. Little things like an interest in events around her to show why she can’t help but aid those that come to her, being close to the forest she lives in so that people know why she is so protective of it, and giving a reason for why she enjoys the taste of Russian flesh. It is impossible to say whether or not I succeeded in my attempt at capturing Baba Yaga’s character and transforming her into a maiden. But, I hope that I managed to at least give people something that relates to Baba Yaga’s legacy and maybe even give them some things to think about. After all, isn’t that what every story is meant to do? Making someone stop and think is the goal of all writers, whether they realize it or not.
The pictures were really difficult to find. Google images is full of all sorts of images and finding a certain few is very difficult, especially if you are looking for a particular image. The header image for this page was easier. I just picked one that was created by me. Nothing to dig through or reference. No need to worry about upsetting someone because they are feel like I stole from them. All that was required was a simple one file, pick which image I wanted, and click open. Simplicity at it's finest. Makes me feel like sighing with satisfaction.