Baba Yaga

A witch, with her black, pointy hat, wart-ridden nose, and perquisite broom is perhaps one of the most recognizable folk characters in Western culture. Every year, legions of women and girls don the popular witch costume for Halloween. But while many people have heard of The Wicked Witch of the West, arguably America’s most famous witch, how many people have heard of Baba Yaga, Russia’s infamous counterpart?

Unlike traditional Western witches, Baba Yaga doesn’t bother with pointy hats, black cats, or levitating brooms. The old crone instead chooses to zoom around on a mortar. The only use she has for a broom is to sweep away her tracks, a crucial task considering she is fond of kidnapping and eating children.

In typical witch fashion, Baba Yaga resides in an isolated cabin deep in the woods. However, unlike other witches, Baba Yaga’s log cabin is mounted on chicken legs. As if that weren’t creepy enough, this cabin has a life of its own, often moving about the woods on its own volition. When at rest, the cabin is surrounded by a fence made of human skulls and assorted bones. Those who dare approach the door might see a gaping keyhole filled with sharp, vicious teeth.

Though Baba Yaga is usually viewed as dangerous and antagonistic, a few courageous individuals occasionally seek her out for help or guidance. While she might reluctantly offer advice or aid heroes with their quests, Baba Yaga is only willing to help those who are pure of heart. A few of these brave souls question Baba Yaga about her three mysterious servants: the White Horseman, the Red Horseman, and the Black Horseman. This is a serious mistake as Baba Yaga despises inquiries about her servants and will often kill those who ask.

As Halloween approaches, Westerners are sure to hear many spooky tales about ghosts and vampires, zombies and werewolves. Instead of rehashing the same old tales this season, why not share the legend of Baba Yaga, the cannibalistic witch who lives in a house on chicken legs?