Transformation of Greek mythology in a fairytale picture of Baba Yaga Cover Image

ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ ДРЕВНЕГРЕЧЕСКОЙ МИФОЛОГИИ В СКАЗОЧНОМ ОБРАЗЕ БАБЫ-ЯГИ
Transformation of Greek mythology in a fairytale picture of Baba Yaga

Author(s): Larysa Moszczyńska
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Customs / Folklore, Studies of Literature, Russian Literature
Published by: Polskie Towarzystwo Rusycytyczne
Keywords: Greek mythology; Baba Yaga; fairy-tales; Russian folkore; magic tales

Summary/Abstract: The article applies mythological approach that enables to reveal new sources of Baba Yaga’s origin. A mythological analysis was based on the Russian folklorist Vladimir Propp’s theory on the origins and the development of characters and motifs in a “magic tale”. The author of the article on the basis of Russian texts of “magic tale” proves that Baba Yaga, the most distinctive and versatile figure in Russian folklore, together with attached to that figure motifs have its roots in a myth. Baba Yaga is identified with the characters from Greek mythology in accordance with the role she plays in the Russian “magic tale” with all the attributes characteristic for that genre. The witch is equivalent to courageous and helpful Prometheus, to tenebrous Charon from the beyond and beautiful and belligerent Aphrodite. In fairy tales Baba Yaga combined in herself the features of the opposing characters from Greek mythology. The interpretation of Baba Yaga presented in the article confirms the fact that fairy-tale figure has its roots in distant times. A mythological approach applied to the analysis of Baba Yaga’s character and her fixed attributes creates favourable conditions for a far better understanding of her personality and enriches as much as possible that distinctive and ambiguous image of the Russian folklore.

  • Issue Year: 2008
  • Issue No: 123
  • Page Range: 24-33
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Russian