The Ruslka: The Misunderstood Spirit from Slavic Mythology

[@retro6294]

I was introduced to the Rusalka as a mermaid in The Sorcerer's Companion. One of the first books to explain the historical myths and such that inspire the Harry Potter media.

[@Brubarov]

Very well written, thank you. I would add or argue that it's not just about nature in general, but more precisely the water element, like you said about emotions and desires, powers of creativity and destruction.

[@MystOfMythology]

A great addition Brubarov, thank you.

[@crencottrell7849]

Rusalka should be shown more in cinema.

[@MystOfMythology]

That would be a good film if done with a good director!

[@mikeburkhart8336]

Rusalka? New to me...that there are Myths I haven't heard of is interesting. Thanks!

[@MystOfMythology]

My pleasure!

[@RavenIdril2966]

​@@MystOfMythologywould you mind doing the selkies?

[@MystOfMythology]

@@RavenIdril2966 ho ho ho. I sure hope you've subscribed.

[@TheMabDeno]

Fascinating, thank you

[@MystOfMythology]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MystOfMythology]

Have you heard of the Rusalka?

[@GenuinelyCurious120]

No. I have now though 😅

[@mikeburkhart8336]

These Myths are new to me...the changes to the Rusalka is like taking Hestia in Greek Mythology and turning her into a Siren.

[@dalestaley5637]

No, I haven't heard of her.

[@swampy1584]

Fantastic video as always

[@MystOfMythology]

Thanks Dave! Appreciate it!

[@Butterflypegasus40]

​@@MystOfMythologyI've heard the rusalka was a water fairy 🧚‍♂️

[@MystOfMythology]

@@Butterflypegasus40@leeannproctor47 That is correct about the earlier versions, Leeann.

[@margeebechyne8642]

If they made a film, I would definitely watch. Interesting that this is a mermaid-like story involving rivers and lakes, not the sea. Reminded me of the Arthurian Lady of the Lake.

[@MystOfMythology]

So would I! And yeah it's interesting how there is a global association with water and sirens, nearly always women.

[@succubydoo9078]

"May Night or the Drowned Woman", "Gogol", "Rusalka; Lake of the Dead" (2018). "The River" (2014) by S.Mavrodi. Mavka: Forest Song (2022)

[@margeebechyne8642]

@@succubydoo9078 Wow! Thank you!!

[@ItsTristan1st]

I have noticed that duality seems to recur frequently in Slavic mythology. It is in stark contrast to the Abrahamic religions which are incredibly black and white.

[@susannahdyro9518]

Yes my babushka told us stories about her, my family is from Romania.

[@MystOfMythology]

Amazing. Was there anything more to her story that I missed in the video?

[@susannahdyro9518]

@@MystOfMythology no there is not I don't think it was years ago but I tell you for a while I was spooked 😳 my grams always told us stories like that I guess she wanted to keep us in line.

[@MystOfMythology]

@@susannahdyro9518 😂 Smart Babushka.

[@francescovalenti7595]

I haven't heard of the Rusalka. Just Sirens. The story though, I think we all know (the little mermaid). With the right script, this tale could be a great film 🎞️

[@MystOfMythology]

100% agree.

[@Lone-Wolf87]

So if we remove the feeling of love most tragedies will never take place. It will be like nothing ever happened.

[@MystOfMythology]

I guess that's one way of looking it at it 😂

[@THE-X-Force]

Look into "the 7 stories".

[@Armilus666]

Just because we are guardians doesn’t mean we are vengeful at all

[@setelliott9683]

So this is what inspired The Little Mermaid 😮

[@MystOfMythology]

Interesting mermaid are said to originate from the Middle East, specifically Syria. (On the list of videos to do) 🧜‍♀️

[@setelliott9683]

@@MystOfMythology that will be fun to see!

[@Drainfloppa]

Rusalka can become a woman, who drowned because of unhappy love or a female babies, who died being unbaptized(they died when they were babies, but when they became rusalkas, they look like the young adult women)

[@MystOfMythology]

Thanks for the additon Dread Floppa cat

[@Drainfloppa]

@@MystOfMythology Also did you know, that Baba Yaga in slavic paganism wasn't evil old woman, she was young and beautiful goddess-Yogina the mother, who was traveling around on the ground on the golden horse, through the skies on a fire chariot or a mortar, looking for orphaned children and bringing them to the foothill Hermitage. In the foothill Hermitage, a Yogina The mother took the orphaned children through a Fiery Rite that burned the old life and gave the children a new one full of hope for a bright future. There she had already taught them the knowledge that she herself possessed. That's why she's "mother" of slavic witches and sorcerers. She said, that one who will defeat her in fight, will be her husband, and that one was god Veles. How did the kind lower goddess became an evil witch? She was slandered by Christians.

[@MystOfMythology]

@@Drainfloppa No! I don't hear that. I read that she wasn't "evil," she was like nature, which can be good or bad. However, according to research I read, she was always said to be an ugly old crone. But like you say, later religions changed how they were depicted.

[@joannapebbleworthy9343]

Eastern European countries were christianised much earlier than 18th century. You should check your facts. But nice pictures.

[@MystOfMythology]

Thank Joanna, the video explains that there were significant changes culturally and socially during the 19th Century, and that religion had been part of that change. Christianity spread across Slavic countries between the 9th and 12th century. I always do try to check my facts. But thank you for making sure. Thanks for watching.

[@Armilus666]

Or maybe demons just want to kill humans not sure you stay with your fairytale