THE UNKNOWN WISE WOMAN OF MYTHOLOGY: BABA YAGA
The Unknown Wise Woman of Mythology: Baba Yaga
Hello! In the course of history, Baba Yaga has been narrated to us as a frightening and wild woman. However, now is the time for us to learn the truth. Did you know that Baba Yaga is actually a wise woman, pursuing nothing but goodness for humanity? In this article, we will tell you the truths. So, happy reading!
Who is Baba Yaga?
Baba Yaga is a witch in Slavic mythology. She flies in the sky within a mortar, and she always has her pestle with her. She is depicted as an old and ugly woman, frail and with disheveled grey hair. Her most striking feature is her long and pointed nose, a consistent trait in every portrayal since her introduction into literature.
Living alone, Baba Yaga resides in a famous hut that stands on chicken legs. This unique dwelling has the ability to move independently due to its magical legs. Positioned on the boundary between the otherworldly and the earthly realm, the house is believed to prevent the escape of spirits of the deceased and disturb the living, according to some interpretations.
The renowned witch is also referred to by names such as Baba Jaga, Baba Roga, and Baba Kloanta. There is no consensus on the meaning of the name "Baba Yaga." Nonetheless, in Slavic languages, the word "baba" is known to carry meanings like an old woman or grandmother, while "Yaga" is associated with devilish, calamity, and affliction.
The Most Famous Tale in Slavic Mythology: Beautiful Vassilisa
The story featuring Vassilisa as the main character is the most well-known tale associated with Baba Yaga. While various versions of this story exist, a common element in each version is Vassilisa's magical baby. Given to her by her dying mother, this baby can fulfill any request made when properly fed.
In the beginning of the story, Vassilisa is sent on a difficult task by her wicked stepmother. According to the task, she must go to Baba Yaga's hut to obtain fire. Upon reaching Baba Yaga's abode, Vassilisa is compelled to undertake various tasks to fulfill her request. With the help of the magical baby left by her mother, she successfully completes each task – cooking, washing, ironing, and separating grain from chaff. However, the tasks seem never-ending.
Vassilisa is also a kind-hearted girl. Throughout her time in Baba Yaga's hut, she maintains her respect. She takes care of Baba Yaga's cat and spends time with it. As days pass, Vassilisa realizes that the tasks will never end and finds a solution in escape. Baba Yaga's cat, who received affection and kindness from Vassilisa, aids her in fleeing.
In another version, Baba Yaga releases Vassilisa on her own accord. In this version, Baba Yaga, conversing with Vassilisa, asks her, "You are very clever for your age. How are you able to accomplish this?" Vassilisa replies, "With my mother's blessings and divine guidance." After saying, "There is no place for the blessed in this house. Take your fire and leave immediately," Baba Yaga allows the girl to depart.
Stories portraying Baba Yaga as a wild and merciless character have also persisted for generations. However, these tales are conventional narratives told by parents to prevent children from misbehaving. The Vassilisa story, in a way, confirms this thesis. In the story, we see that Baba Yaga, her hut with chicken legs, and her cat respond positively to Vassilisa's kindness. Baba Yaga values intellect and shows respect for sacred and divine signs. All of these elements point to Baba Yaga's wisdom.
Another Witch Crushed by Patriarchal Thought
The concept of "witch" has found its place in numerous sources for thousands of years. Translated differently in various languages, it generally denotes meanings like "sorcerer spirit" or "fortune-teller." In English, the word "witch," meaning a female sorcerer, is derived from the word "wit," which translates to wise or clever. In ancient times, the term "witch" was used as a title for women, both young and old, practicing healing arts.
Due to fluctuations in medieval politics, these women come to the aid of a society and church seeking enemies. Women who use the knowledge they believe to be sacred for healing purposes become labeled as witches and declared to be Satan. Vulnerable judgments and burnings follow.
It has been observed that the women condemned and executed as witches were mostly elderly and disabled women. This situation is indicative of gender inequality in society. Young women are considered tolerable due to their fertility, beauty, and vitality. However, older women are deemed useless and unattractive, leading to their elimination.
Baba Yaga is also old, and her ugliness is extensively described. She is unmarried, independent of any man, and lives alone. In a world dominated by patriarchy, she has no choice but to be declared a witch. Therefore, her positive qualities and achievements are consistently overlooked and condemned by society. The portrayal of Baba Yaga as a child-eating, wild, and malevolent figure is criticized by various social scientists. As mentioned in the Vassilisa story, we discussed Baba Yaga's appreciation for intellect and goodness. Additionally, some researchers write that there is much more behind these stories.
As Clarissa Pinkola Estés mentions in her work "Women Who Run with the Wolves," Baba Yaga's actions serve the purpose of initiation. Baba Yaga, metaphorically "cooking" the children, constructs an initiation ceremony through the tasks she assigns to them. As mentioned in an ancient Slavic ritual, children who "blush" move to a more advanced level of life. Baba Yaga thus becomes a gateway to adulthood.
Reflections of Baba Yaga
With her broom in hand, flying through the air, Baba Yaga is considered one of the primary sources of the stereotypical image of a witch with a broom that has become ingrained in everyone's mind. Her disheveled hair, long and pointed nose, and protruding chin also evoke the iconic image of a witch. With these features, we can understand the significant role Baba Yaga plays in shaping the witch culture.
Baba Yaga, even with a stereotypical portrait, influences various branches of art. One of the most well-known references to Baba Yaga is featured in the first film of the famous John Wick series. In the movie, we learn that the character John Wick is nicknamed Baba Yaga. Calling Wick Baba Yaga stems from his ability to transform from a benevolent, helpful person, much like Baba Yaga, to a dangerous individual seeking revenge.
Undoubtedly, Baba Yaga also influences the literary world. An example of this is the novel "Baba Yaga's Egg" by Dubravka Ugrešic, published by İthaki Yayınları. The novel explores the societal exclusion and visibility needs of elderly women through the character of Baba Yaga.
Clarissa Pinkola Estés' work "Women Who Run with the Wolves" also includes Baba Yaga. The book, which contains research on female figures in various myths and fairy tales, examines the Vassilisa story. In this work, Vassilisa's transition from childhood to adulthood and womanhood through the tasks given by Baba Yaga is discussed.
A Baba Yaga Story from Sophie Anderson: The House with Chicken Legs
Sophie Anderson's debut novel, "The House with Chicken Legs," focuses on Marinka, the granddaughter of Baba Yaga. Twelve-year-old Marinka lives with her grandmother, who is a Yaga. According to the novel, a Yaga's duty is to prevent the souls of the deceased from entering our world. Marinka receives training from her grandmother to become a Yaga, so she cannot integrate into social life. She travels and plays with the house built on chicken legs. However, all she wants is a friend. When she befriends someone to break all the rules, everything gets complicated. Her grandmother disappears, and the novel follows Marinka's adventures to find her.
This book, translated into Turkish by Genç Timaş, was published in the past weeks. Author Anderson has been reinterpreting the familiar stories and characters of Slavic mythology in her other published books. You can purchase the book at a 10% discount using the code "Bibliyoraf10" through the link in the visual.
It is time to put an end to the myth of Baba Yaga created by patriarchy and appreciate her. We should acknowledge that she serves as a light for the youth during their growth process and protects humanity from the deceased. Sending love to everyone who feels like a real witch, including Baba Yaga.
Thank you for reading.
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