Many Russian rivers have been rendered almost into human characters. The ordinary speech is still of Mother Vólga. In the Nóvgorod ballads there is a mention of Father Volkhov, much as we speak of Father Thames, and there were very great possibilities of the development of a river mythology which did not succeed. It is worth observing that in one ballad dealing with Vasíli Buslávich, the hero of Nóvgorod, this semi-comic figure is twitted by the men of Nóvgorod that he will one day turn the Volkhov into Kvas (q.v.): i.e. he will one day set the Thames on fire. [Rybnikov, I, 336].
The Wood Sprite. Léshi is a peculiar feature in Russian folk-lore. He is somewhat similar to Pan, but is also represented as having copper arms, and an iron body, terms which refer to colour rather than to material. Sometimes he has claws for hands.
Yagá-Búra. This is the same as Bába Yagá, but is specific reference to the Witch who raises the Wind.
GLOSSARY
Aspen. Always associated with magic. Its trembling leaves give it a weird appearance.
Bába Yagá. Russian witch, also Yagá-Búra.
Bábushka. The grandmother.
Bárkhat. This word also means velvet.
Bátyushka. Father in a general sense, meaning anybody older. Otéts is father, meaning the relationship of father and son.
Birds’ milk. The Russian folk-tale expression for asking for the moon.