Dark Sentiments Season 9 — Day 8: Baba Jaga
Posted By Randy on October 8, 2018
Most of you will be familiar with the name “Baba Yaga” from the movie John Wick where it’s incorrectly offered as the Russian equivalent of “boogeyman”. As much as we enjoy Keanu Reeves in the title role, if John Wick is your only point of reference in navigating the realm of Slavic mythology, you’re missing a lot, beginning with the fact that, like Eowyn in Lord of the Rings, Baba Jaga (pronounced, and commonly spelled, “Yaga”) is no man. The name of Baba Jaga varies throughout Slavic cultures, but the Polish spelling uses the “J”, and being Polish by marriage, I’ll stick with that whenever I write it and am not quoting anyone else who spells it differently.
Researching the name of Baba Jaga /Yaga will lead the casual observer to conclude that She is a Russian phenomenon, but She inhabits all areas of Slavic influence.
“Baba Yaga is considered one of the most intriguing characters from Slavic mythology. As ambiguous as she is hideous, Baba Yaga has been described by scholars as an anomaly, both a maternal, mother-nature figure and an evil villain who enjoys eating those who fail to complete her tasks. Though the origins of her name are as unclear as her purpose tends to be, it is believed that baba means something akin to “old woman” or “grandmother”, while yaga has conflicting theories of meaning ranging from “snake” to “wicked.” Regardless, even Baba Yaga’s name emphasizes the strangeness of her person, making her an interesting character to decipher.
“The most common portrayal of Baba Yaga is as either one old woman or a trio of old sisters, all of whom are depicted as skinny, with iron teeth, and noses so long that they touch the ceiling when they sleep.” ~ Baba Yaga, The Confounding Crone of Slavic Folklore
This short documentary should serve to introduce our Lady of Mystery. —
She also figures as the antagonist in a variety of folk tales like this one. —
However you spell it, Baba Jaga no one trick pony. Neither good nor evil, she is definitely dangerous and not to be trifled with.
“Baba Yaga is, in Slavic folklore, the wild old woman; the witch; mistress of magic; a mythical creature. She is also seen as a forest spirit, leading hosts of spirits. Stories about Baba Yaga have been used in teaching children the importance of reverence for the delicacy of nature and the spirit world. They were also used by worried parents in an attempt to frighten children from wondering far from home.
“Baba Yaga’s legacy is derived from several Eastern European cultural groups and her character differs depending on who tells it. The outcome of the story, however, usually emphasizes a purity of spirit and polite manners. Baba Yaga can also be a source of guidance when approached correctly. When Baba Yaga is approached without good preparation, sincerity, and due respect, she is dangerous. When too many questions (or the wrong questions) are asked, she is also dangerous. Only by maintaining pure heart and faith, proper respect for her as one’s elder, and loving care of her creatures can the encounter be successful.” ~ Baba Yaga, New World Encyclopedia
And all this brings me to tonight’s feature Dark Sentiment. Jaga is part of the exceptional Legendy Polskie (Polish Legends) series, and begins with the discovery that Baba Jaga has just extricated herself from Hell where she had been incarcerated under the guard of the Department of Slavic Demons. I personally think “demon” is a bit harsh, but you know bureaucracy. It’s all about the labels without the substance. Released in 2016, this 13 minutes of delight was directed by Tomek Baginski of whom we spoke yesterday.
Get the good vodka out of the freezer and enjoy the ride. This ain’t your Babunia’s Baba Jaga.
The Devil’s Grandmother, The Hag redux and a formulation of Lilith who according to some testimony is the Devil’s Whore. As a young boy I was always told to behave myself or for sure I would be sent to a place where I would be punished by a horrible incarnage though I never knew what that meant until I became older and was able to conjure up the bitch myself