ITS x HSE_REIMAGED SLAVIC MYTHS_Zalfa N.Z

This character design project was created specifically for a Slavic mythology redesign competition. Driven by the fact that local heritage is often stereotyped as ancient, rigid, or way too mystical, I challenged myself to do a bold experiment fusing Slavic mythology with the rich cultural vibes of Indonesia, especially Javanese Wayang (puppetry) and its local wisdom.

To make the visuals super relatable and eye catching for the younger generation, I went with a Gen Z visual approach. The dark, eerie atmosphere of the original myths is completely remixed using a bright, expressive, and dynamic neon palette. Combined with the distinct body proportions, gestures, traditional garments, and intricate ornaments of wayang, this project aims to prove that our ancestors' heritage can look incredibly fresh, modern, and deceptively deadly!

Baba Yaga is the ultimate visual remix in this project. Instead of riding a Western mortar, this iconic old witch flies around eccentrically on a magical Ancient Javanese Jar. Even her famous chicken-legged house gets an upgrade, redesigned using Traditional Javanese Architecture (like the Kampung or Limasan roof) combined with sharp wayang facial stylizations. The splash of bold neon colors on the magic effects and house details injects a fresh energy that shatters the gloomy, ancient stigma of traditional buildings, turning it into a super playful Baba Yaga

This design brings out the fun side of Javanese local wisdom through a super relatable kitchen drama. Kikimora is turned into a homeless monster wearing a traditional Kebaya and Sewek (batik skirt), caught red handed by a homeowner who is also rocking traditional Javanese attire. Both characters are drawn with the awkward, sharp gestures of Javanese Wayang puppets, making the whole scene look like an epic, theatrical showdown while Kikimora and her gang of house mice mess up the kitchen. Coated in a bright neon palette, it’s fun, comical, and proves traditional clothes can look incredibly fresh and modern.

Sirin, the half human, half bird creature famous for her mesmerizing yet fatal voice, is brought to life through the fluid, elegant lines of Javanese Wayang on her wings, crown, and ornaments as she sings. This traditional look is paired with Gen Z pop aesthetics by making her sound waves glow in striking neon colors. To elevate the drama, the scene includes local villagers (rakyat) who are visibly overwhelmed, covering their ears in agony as they are completely disrupted and paralyzed by her overwhelming, hypnotic melody. This vibrant color choice gives Sirin a dynamic energy, flipping the rigid stigma of local heritage into a mythological «diva» who is playful, bold, and brilliantly dangerous.

Koschei is immortal and literally cannot die as long as his soul-needle is safe. He’s still doing his usual lore of kidnapping young women, caught right in the act with a terrifying, monstrous face that perfectly captures his dark intent. However, his look is completely overhauled with anatomy and decorative outfits inspired by Javanese Wayang characters. Instead of a basic sword, he wields a magical Keris, heavily inspired by the Javanese traditional weapon packed with mystical, supernatural power. To keep things trendy, the whole scene is styled in a high contrast, colorful neon scheme, making him look like a super stylish, eccentric, yet genuinely frightening antagonist that totally fits today’s pop culture.

Forget the old, gloomy forest monsters. For this competition, Leshy gets a total makeover inspired by the stylized, intricate forms of Javanese Wayang (giving him that giant buto monster silhouette that blends into nature). The unwritten rule of using dark, earthy tones for forest creatures is completely broken. Instead, he’s wrapped in bright, playful neon colors, transforming a terrifying forest beast into a fresh, friendly, and cool protector of the wild.

In this version, Rusalka still does her infamous thing drowning wicked people with her long, gorgeous hair but she does it with the ultimate grace, sitting elegantly like a Javanese Sinden (traditional singer). We love a «deceptively deadly» queen! , her dark myth is twisted using a vibrant, glowing neon palette on the water and her hair, turning a scary folklore icon into a highly captivating and trendy pop visual.