Baba Yaga: The Ambiguous Mother and Witch of the Russian Folktale (International Folkloristics, V. 3) (Paperback)

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Product Description

Baba Yaga is a well-known witch from the folklore tradition of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. A fascinating and colorful character, she resembles witches of other traditions but is in many ways unique. Living in the forest in a hut that stands and moves on chicken legs, she travels in a mortar with a pestle and sweeps away her tracks with a broom. In some tales she tries to harm the protagonist, while in others she is helpful. This book investigates the image and ambiguity of Baba Yaga in detail and considers the meanings she has for East Slavic culture. Providing a broad survey of folktales and other sources, it is the most thorough study of Baba Yaga yet published and will be of interest to students of anthropology, comparative literature, folklore, and Slavic and East European studies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820467693
• ISBN-13: 978-0820467696
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #678,051 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In All Her Splendor, April 30, 2004

By	Lisa Huber - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As Andreas Johns concludes in his masterfully researched book, BABA YAGA: THE AMBITIOUS MOTHER AND WITCH OF RUSSIAN FOLKLORE: "Baba Yaga defies any single or simple definition or interpretation, and no final definitive word can ever be said about her." Yet, what Johns manages to accomplish, in this fascinating and highly readable book, is to compile everything ever said or written about this fabulous Slavic folktale character. As one who has adored and feared Baba Yaga since childhood, I have been on a quest throughout my life to know more about her -- well, here is the treasure for which I've been searching! Scholars, as well as lovers, of folklore, oral traditions, and the psychology of ancient story will relish the careful research, the vast exploration, and the deep respect Johns brings to his wonderful study of Baba Yaga.