Calling Upon a Domovoi in the Children’s Game Tradition of the Komi
Calling Upon a Domovoi in the Children’s Game Tradition of the Komi

Summary/Abstract: This article deals with the children’s game of calling upon a domovoi1, which is unique for the traditional spiritual culture of the Komi. New authentic texts as well as archival material that has never been used before is cited. Their analysis allows the area of the spread of this game to be expanded. According to the new sources, it did not only exist among the Komi living on the shores of the basin of the Vychegda River (with the tributaries of the Vishera, the Vym, and the Sysola), but also among the northern Komi-Permiaks in the traditions of Kosinsky District. The games have similar scenarios and are aimed at establishing contact with the invisible inhabitant of the house living in the cellar, and checking if it really exists. The most noticeable variation exists in the names of the demonym, poetic addresses, and characteristics. The image and terminology pertaining to the domovoi addressed in the game contain reflections of mythological concepts that are similar to ‘adult folklore’, but quite often the addresses to the character called upon take on the features of ‘childishness’, i.e., diminutive forms, reduplication, and personal names. In the context of experiencing collective fear, this game is close to the magically playful calling upon the neo-mythopoetic characters (the Queen of Spades, a Dwarf, devils, etc.), which is common among modern schoolchildren, including the Komi schoolchildren.

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