#boris zabirohin

[victusinveritas]

Depiction of the Werewolf from "Russian National Fairytales" by Boris Zabirohin (2008)

[russianfolklore]

Boris Zabirohin’s illustration.

[russianfolklore]

Boris Zabirohin’s illustration.

[russianfolklore]

Chort by Boris Zabirohin.

[russianfolklore]

“Kikimora” by Boris Zabirohin.

Kikimora is a legendary creature, a female house spirit in Slavic mythology. Her role in the house is usually juxtaposed with that of the Domovoy, whereas one of them is considered a "bad" spirit, and the other, a "good" one. When the kikimora inhabits a house, she lives behind the stove or in the cellar, and usually produces noises similar to those made by the mice in order to obtain food. Kikimory (in plural) were the first traditional explanation for sleep paralysis in Russian folklore.

There are two different kinds of Kikimoras. The one that comes from the forest is married to the Domovoy. The other one comes from the swamp and is married to Leshy. It is said that she can be identified by her wet footprints. When home builders wanted to cause harm to someone buying a house, they would bring in Kikimora. Once she is inside, it is difficult to get her to leave.

When the house is in order, Kikimora looks after the chickens and housework. If not, she whistles, breaks dishes, and makes noises at night. She also comes out at night to spin thread.

[russianfolklore]

“The Bajun Cat” by Boris Zabirohin.

The Bajun Cat is a huge cannibal cat with a magical voice. His voice is hypnotic and curative, but most of the time Bajun lulls unlucky travellers with his tales and murders them. Bajun can be caught if the hero wears iron gloves and an iron hat. After his defeat, Bayun begins to serve the hero.

[sunkentreasurecove]

[russianfolklore]

Vodyanoy by Boris Zabirohin.

Vodyanoy is a male water spirit in Slavic mythology. He usually rides along his river on a half-sunk log, making loud splashes. Consequently, he is often dubbed "grandfather" or "forefather" by the local people. Local drownings are said to be the work of the vodyanoy (or rusalkas). When angered, the vodyanoy breaks dams, washes down water mills, and drowns people and animals. He would drag down people to his underwater dwelling to serve him as slaves.