BEWARE BABA YAGA

Folklore expert Willow Winsham explains the history behind the mystery of this fearsome witch from Slavic legend

- Callum McKelvie

Tales of witches have existed throughout history and across many different cultures. At one point considered a very real and serious threat, these alleged enchantresses have also permeated popular culture through folklore, myths and fairytales. One of the most fearsome witches originates in the legends of the Slavic peoples: Baba Yaga. This terrifying sorceress with a monstrous visage travels in a flying mortar with a pestle and lives in a house that stands on huge chicken-like legs. Here, folklore expert Willow Winsham tells us all about the history of this mythical - and certainly unique - witch.

Who, or what, is Baba Yaga?

Baba Yaga is an iconic witch-like figure from Slavic folk and fairytales. She has become one of the most prominent and well-recognised characters in Slavic mythology, and is also a familiar figure across folklore as a whole.

An old, wizened hag of the forest, at first glance Baba Yaga appears to be the stereotypical 'evil witch figure' that is found in many stories. A closer examination of her character, however, reveals quite the opposite: she is in fact a highly nuanced and multifaceted character, a fact that explains her popularity.

Although generally portrayed as a single figure, in some stories, such as The Maiden Tsar, there are actually three Baba Yagas, an intriguing trio in the vein of the three Fates, or Norns, of mythology.

What are some of Baba Yaga's appearance and main characteristics?