As we have been taught in life, too much of one thing can become detrimental. Too much logic in a situation leaves little room for emotion. Being too agreeable allows others an opportunity to take advantage. Intuitively, we can sense tension in an environment, an unpleasant tone, or an unsafe situation; however, we tend to mask our natural impulses out of fear of negative perception. We suppress our shadow. For the sake of our protection, we must find balance.
Baba Yaga, a figure in Slavic folklore, represents the untamable forces of nature and symbolizes the many themes of duality. Life and death, compassion and mercilessness, order and disarray. She is commonly depicted as an unsightly witch who guards the forest and travels in a cauldron. She lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs and is surrounded by a fence made of human bones. It is imperative that her visitors approach with courage, respect, and honest intentions if they seek her assistance. If not, they will be devoured. My introduction to Baba Yaga derives from the Russian folktale, Vasalisa the Wise.
Before her passing, Vasalisa’s mother gifted her a doll and promised that it would always be a source of guidance. Years later, her father remarried and Vasalisa became the subject of cruel treatment from her new stepmother and two stepsisters. Vasalisa’s kindness and naivety was used against her, with the stepmother and stepsisters exploiting her for service every time her father was away. Once they grew tired of Vasalisa, the trio formed a scheme to send her to Baba Yaga’s hut and request coal for the hearth, secretly hoping that she would never return. Unable to decline, Vasalisa kindly accepted this task and was on her way. She followed the guidance of her doll and arrived at the hut. There she was met with Baba Yaga, who required her to complete a number of tasks in exchange for coal. If unsuccessful, Vasalisa would die. Once again, the doll provided Vasalisa with guidance and direction, even completing tasks in place of her. Baba Yaga sneered as Vasalisa finished each task she assigned. Though the witch was likely bitter that Vasalisa would not be her next meal, she could not overlook Vasalisa’s courageousness and wisdom. Instead of coal, Baba Yaga grabbed a skull with fiery eyes from her fence and placed it on a stick. She instructed Vasalisa to take it home at once.
At home, the stepmother and stepsisters were surprised as they noticed a fiery glow traveling towards their home. When they realized that Vasalisa had returned unharmed, they rushed to her and deceptively expressed how they had awaited her return. Throughout the night, the skull observed the treatment that Vasalisa endured and by morning, the stepmother and stepsisters had been burnt to ash.
Baba Yaga cannot be described as one concept. She is both darkness and light. Her intentions are clear, even if they are unfavorable. Though she offered a risky (and morbid) wager, she upheld her end of the bargain. However, Baba Yaga sensed that this vulnerable child was in need of more than fire and provided her with protection at no additional cost. This intervention occurred because she knew that Vasalisa was far too kind to do harm to another, even if justified. Baba Yaga’s acts are considered a “necessary evil,” performed with the intent of protecting the self or another. She represents our maternal instincts and defensive nature. She represents our shadow.
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