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Baba Yaga
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Baba Yaga
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Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga Baba Yaga, illustration by Ivan Bilibin from Narodnyye russkiye skazki (“Russian Popular Fairy Tales”).

Baba Yaga

Russian folklore
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Also known as: Baba Jaga
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Also spelled:
Baba Jaga

Baba Yaga, in Slavic folklore, an ogress who steals, cooks, and eats her victims, usually children. A guardian of the fountains of the water of life, she lives with two or three sisters (all known as Baba Yaga) in a forest hut that spins continually on birds’ legs. Her fence is topped with human skulls. Baba Yaga can ride through the air—in an iron kettle or in a mortar that she drives with a pestle—creating tempests as she goes. She often accompanies Death on his travels, devouring newly released souls.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Alicja Zelazko.