Baba Yaga: Evil Witch or Goddess?

Baba Yaga is the hideous witch who eats humans and lives in the deep, dark reaches of the fairytale forest.  Her wooden hut stands on chicken legs and is surrounded by sharp posts with the skulls of her victims.

She is the cruel, evil villainess of Russian legend, who travels through the sky on a mortar and pestle.  But she’s also a powerful goddess who controls the weather and seasons and maintains the natural order.  The three horsemen who bring the dawn, the noon sun, and the night are her faithful servants.

Sometimes, instead of being eaten, brave travelers are given aid and wise advice.  And she dispenses justice and rewards to those who deserve them, too.

When Vasilisa the Beautiful (also called Vasilisa the Wise) is sent to Baba Yaga’s hut by her evil stepsisters and stepmother to obtain a light to start their fire, the real intent of the girl’s family is to do away with her.  But after serving Baba Yaga well and showing herself smart enough to ask only appropriate questions (Baba Yaga eats those who are TOO curious), Vasilisa is sent home.  And not empty-handed, either.  The witch, well aware of what Vasilisa’s step-family had planned for the girl, sends her home with the light they requested.  Unfortunately, it’s a magic light that burns the evil-doers to death, leaving Vasilisa unharmed.

Share This