Belarussian mythology
part 2
Etching, aquatint
29,5 x 21 cm
2023
Vadzianik
Vadzianik - the spirit of the water element. In the book of Jan Borshchevsky it's written: "Vadzyanik is an evil spirit who lives in water". He does not live there alone: a whole network of small devils and evil spirits lives with him. Vadzianik could carry swimmers to the bottom or scare them to death.
Snake King
Our ancestors had a cult of snakes. It was believed that a grass snake in the house brought good luck, protected the owners from poverty and evil spirits. Killing a snake was considered a great crime, which would certainly be punished by the Snake King himself. The lord of all snakes and all forest evil spirits - the Snake King lived somewhere in the depths of the swamps. It was necessary to be prepared for a meeting with him, and, seeing a large snake with a golden crown on its head, lay a clean towel on its path and put a loaf of fresh bread. The Snake King used to leave a few golden petals from his crown in gratitude. A person who carries such petals in his pockets may not be afraid of evil spirits and gains the opportunity to see all the treasures at any depth until the first snow.
Damavik
Damavik - the spirit-dweller of the house. In folklore, it is interpreted ambiguously. He can both help and harm, if you make him angry. Damavik is described as a small old man who lives under or behind the stove. There are such alternative names as "Padpechnik", "Hatnik".
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