MYTHOLOGICAL.
Miscellaneous Impersonifications.
Somewhat resembling the picture usually drawn of the supernatural Witch in the Skazkas, is that which some of them offer of a personification of evil called Likho.[224] The following story, belonging to the familiar Polyphemus-cycle, will serve to convey an idea of this baleful being, who in it takes a female form.
One-Eyed Likho.[224]
Once upon a time there was a smith. “Well now,” says he, “I’ve never set eyes on any harm. They say there’s evil (likho)[225] in the world. I’ll go and seek me out evil.” So he went and had a goodish drink, and then started in search of evil. On the way he met a tailor.
“Good day,” says the Tailor.
“Where are you going?” asks the Tailor.
“Well, brother, everybody says there is evil on earth. But I’ve never seen any, so I’m going to look for it.”
“Let’s go together. I’m a thriving man, too, and have seen no evil; let’s go and have a hunt for some.”