Babajaga

/ˌbɑː.bə.ˈjɑː.ɡə/ noun

Definition

A fearsome witch or old hag from Slavic folklore who lives in a hut with chicken legs and often captures and eats travelers.

Etymology

From Russian баба-яга (baba-yaga); 'baba' means 'old woman' and 'yaga' likely derives from Proto-Slavic roots. This creature appears in hundreds of Russian fairy tales, possibly dating back to pre-Christian mythology.

Kelly Says

Baba Yaga has terrified and fascinated Russian children for centuries—she appears in Mussorgsky's famous 'Pictures at an Exhibition' and inspired modern horror franchises, proving that ancient folklore can haunt imaginations across generations.

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