Baba Yaga and Leshy revealed their "true face" at the National Centre RUSSIA
Fairy tales are not only captivating stories we tell younger generations at bedtime but also an essential part of the cultural code and an important tool for nurturing traditional values. This was the key message shared by the Director of the Club-Museum-Lecture Hall "Masks and Figures of the World", Tatyana Bolysova, at the National Centre RUSSIA during the Russian Geographical Society’s lecture "The Diversity of Cultures and Peoples of Russia and the CIS". The event formed part of the programme of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" International Festival dedicated to National Unity Day.
As part of the exposition-presentation showcasing figures and masks from the museum’s collection, the author of the lecture "Mythology of the Russian Fairy Tale" explored in detail the nature and symbolism of the most recognisable characters from ancient Russian folklore. She also explained who served as prototypes for the heroes of Pushkin’s tales and other magical stories, traditions and rituals familiar to us since childhood.
"Ancient fairy tales live deep in our hearts, and we recall them even without realising it. For example, when we say we want to 'svarganit something' (meaning 'to cook something up'), this expression goes back to the ancient god Svarog, who, according to legend, helped people in their craft. When we use the word 'ladno' (meaning 'ok') or wish 'lad' (meaning 'harmony') in the family, we evoke Lada - Svarog’s wife, the goddess of home comfort and accord. And the phrase 'chur menya' (meaning 'back off, evil') is actually an appeal to the ancient guardian deity Chur," explained Tatyana Bolysova.
She paid special attention to the "dark forces" of folklore from the perspective of moral education — not only for children but also for adults. According to her, Baba Yaga, Leshy, Domovoy (house spirit), Kikimora and other characters only seem negative at first glance. On closer inspection, they prove to be true guides and teachers, instilling such values as care for nature and respect for elders — and even helping people maintain order in their homes.
"Our Russian 'dark forces' have an amazing quality — they teach. For example, Leshy always taught children to treat the forest with care: not to litter, not to break branches. Otherwise, as people used to say, he might lead them astray. And the house Kikimora starts hiding your belongings if you keep scattering them instead of putting them neatly in their places," the expert noted.
Concluding the creative meeting, Tatyana Bolysova highlighted the enduring value of folk tales in the modern world and encouraged the audience to explore this unique cultural and historical legacy more deeply.
"Our ancient Russian fairy tales live on with us to this day, and they are truly beautiful. That’s why I try to tell them more often — to both children and adults. And I encourage everyone not just to read fairy tales, but to do so more consciously," summed up Tatyana Bolysova.
The International Festival "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" runs from 31 October to 5 November at the National Centre RUSSIA, the World Trade Centre and the Moskino Cinema Park. The programme includes educational and cultural events, expositions and masterclasses aimed at uniting representatives of government bodies and the expert community.
The festival is organised by the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FADN of Russia) in coordination with the Security Council of the Russian Federation, the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, with the participation of the Ministry of Culture of Russia, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Moscow Government, Moskino, Gazprom-Media Holding, RUTUBE, the Russian society Znanie, the Russian Geographical Society, ROSKINO JSC, the Regional Film Support Foundation, and the Internet Development Institute.
Event photobank
The programme opened with several major cultural and educational events.
The 20th anniversary of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" took place this week.
Seven film screenings at once were held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the film forum of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" International Festival.
