Rusalka
Apr 2, 2023 ·
43m 40s
This week we look at the Rusalka, an elemental spirit from Slavic folklore. She is described either as spirit of forest and field or as a water spirit, though in...
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This week we look at the Rusalka, an elemental spirit from Slavic folklore. She is described either as spirit of forest and field or as a water spirit, though in both roles she is a "fertility wight," a being that brings water to the crops and fields. However, by the 19th century the Rusalka became the spirit of women who died unbaptized or as virgins, a kind of vengeful damned spirit. They also became associated with mermaids at this time, and a Rusalka-type spirit is the inspiration for Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Mermaid", which bears a resemblance in plot to Dvořák's opera entitled "Rusalka". I discuss all these associations, as well as reasons for the shift from benevolent but tricky nature spirit to malevolent spirit leading men to their deaths.
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| Author | Brigid Burke |
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