Rusalka: The Sea Maiden
Capturing a maiden for pleasure has never been so dangerous, especially one that can sink you to the bottom floor of the ocean. Although the true nature of Rusalki, drowned maidens that were not baptized, have been debated, this piece leans towards the malicious intent of a widely known slavic folklore.
A Bowl Of Souls: Babayaga
The eldery sometimes whisper secrets from their wrinkly lips and crooked teeth, luring you into the deepest parts of the forest for a late dinner. Only, most dinners with the dinner end with them being on the menu. Baba Yaga is a legendary, enigmatic figure in Slavic folklore who embodies the dualities of nature. Depicted as both a terrifying witch who eats children and a wise guide who helps heroes, she lives deep in the woods in a magically walking hut that stands on giant chicken legs.
A Thousand Suns: Zharptitsa
A bird whose body burn as bright as the morning sun, whispered to carry great fortune if you are able to steal one of it’s precious feathers. Yet, fortune comes with sacrifice. As one famous god had fallen to his demise when he stared too close to the sun, one might lose its entire self by holding one to something for too long.
The Deathless King: Koschei
Unlike many, it is Koschei who sneaks up on death when it leasts expects. The deathless wizard I have decided to depict as an all powerful king, trudging through a freezing night with his spirit in tact despite his pierced body, rejecting death even if it seeks his being. In Slavic folk tales, Koschei often appears as a villain who kidnaps beautiful young women, symbolizing the capture of life energy and youth.
A Preying Gaze: Sirin
Owls typically feast on vulnerable rodents, yet a mysterious half-human and half-bird, preys on the dew morning light. The Sirin legend balances dangerous temptation with heavenly joy, where her beautiful but fatal songs make men forget everything and perish. Despite their diet differences, some Sirins find their own predatory gaze lingering above an innocent human — curious.
The Guardian Of Life: Leshy
Crunching leaves and whistling howls should terrify you. Yet sometimes, it means a tall, lingering spirit is trailing behind, casting a shadow of protection in the deep forests. Leshy is a shape-shifting forest spirit from Slavic mythology who acts as the supreme guardian of the woods and its wildlife. Known as the «Old Man of the Forest,» he is a mischievous trickster who protects nature but can lead travelers astray if they disrespect his domain.