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Vodyanoy
The master of the waters. An old man covered in slime and algae who rules rivers and lakes. He drowns swimmers and demands respect from fishermen. The Vodyanoy takes what he wants.
Ancient - Present
Russia and Slavic Countries
500+ witnesses
The Vodyanoy is a water spirit from Slavic folklore, ruling over lakes, rivers, and ponds.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Vodyanoy:
- Rules bodies of water
- Drowns unwary swimmers
- Must be appeased by fishermen
- Is a powerful water spirit
- Has a court of drowned souls
Description
The Vodyanoy appears as:
- An old man
- Covered in slime and algae
- Fish scales or frog-like skin
- Green beard
- Webbed hands
- Sometimes rides a giant catfish
Behavior
The Vodyanoy:
- Drowns swimmers
- Breaks dams
- Commands water creatures
- Can cause floods
- Rules the spirits of drowned people
Appeasing Him
Fishermen would:
- Make offerings before fishing
- Pour vodka into water
- Release first catch
- Not boast about catches
- Respect the water
His Court
The Vodyanoy:
- Rules drowned souls
- Has Rusalki as servants
- Lives in underwater palaces
- Keeps souls as servants
- May marry human women
Dangers
He is most dangerous:
- At night
- During storms
- When disrespected
- At mill ponds
- To the prideful