The Slavic lands are full of dense forests and misty lakes,
both natural and man-made. From earliest times these
places were believed to have their special spirits. Some
were threatening beings that embodied the anxiety
of travellers, who were fearful of getting lost in the
woods or drowning while crossing a lake. Even
country people, who knew the forests and lakes
of their region well, were wary of these spirits.Myths of Wood and Water
WEREWOLVES
The legends of Central and Eastern
Europe often feature werewolves,
humans who could change shape
to become wolves. Malevolent and
bloodthirsty, they appeared when
the moon was full and preyed on
the unsuspecting. It was said that
babies born with a birthmark were
likely to become werewolves. Plants
such as rye and mistletoe, and a
herb called wolfsbane, were believed
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE to ward of werewolf attacks.RUSALKAS
Rusalkas were alluring water nymphs known for their
beautiful song. They probably originated as fertility
spirits, associated with particular lakes and with the
life-giving power of water. But they were later said to
be the souls of children who had died at a young age,
or of women who had drowned themselves. Their song
lured passers-by into the water. One story told how a
Rusalka left the water when she fell in love with a mortal
prince. She had to lose her voice to survive in the air, but
for a while she was happy. However,
her lover left her for a mortal woman
and she faded away into the
water once more.Mythical setting
As in many other cultures, the
people of Central Europe saw
dense forests, together with
lakes, rivers, and waterfalls,
as places of special power
and the home of spirits.Antonín Dvorˇák
The Czech composer Dvorˇák (1841–1904)
wrote a famous opera, Rusalka, about the
nymph who left her home for a mortal love.A Rusalka and her victim
Some mortal men, smitten by the Rusalka’s
song, dived into the water to be with her
and met a sad death by drowning.(^76) The wolf man