Supernatural lore: What is the Baba Yaga?
A look at the folklore surrounding the Baba Yaga on Supernatural
Supernatural Season 15, Episode 16 introduced a new creature. The Baba Yaga was the witch after children, and it is based on Slavic folklore.
It’s time to break down the lore from the show and compare it to the real mythology. After all, the show has always taken mythology and given its own twist. Let’s take a look at the twist on this one.
The Baba Yaga on Supernatural
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On the series, the witch comes after young children to feed on them. She feeds on fear, becoming the worst nightmare for those who manage to survive. She also has a nest where she takes the bodies of the children, so she can continue to feed on them. The nest was the first time Dean Winchester saw something like that, immediately creating that need to compartmentalize everything.
The witch’s power is connected to her red ring. When that was cracked, she disappeared. It was only when the ring was fixed that she was brought back, and the ring had to be destroyed completely to get rid of her once and for all.
Baba Yaga in real Slavic folklore
How much of the mythology is the same as in real life? Well, the Baba Yaga is a witch of sorts. She’s a terrifying old woman. The name is sometimes given to a trio of sisters depending on the lore. The supernatural being lives in a hut and is described as having chicken legs.
However, while terrifying, she’s not necessarily an evil being. There are times she will hinder those who summon her, but she can also be helpful. In some stories, she’s helped men find their missing brides. In other lore, she’s eaten children.
It looks like the eating children lore is the one Supernatural worked with. After all, there’s no way the show would opt for good lore when it comes to monsters and creatures.
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Which has your favorite creature been over the years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Supernatural airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.