The secret inhabitants of Kaliningrad: who the homlins are and where to find them

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The homlin Grandfather Karl from Kaliningrad became a popular character of the "A Fairytale Path" carol performances at the National Centre RUSSIA. Together with other folklore characters from across Russia, he guided children on a unique journey through the regions of the country. Who are the homlins, what do they do, and why are they so beloved? Now is the perfect time to tell their story in full, as the Kaliningrad Region Days have just concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA.

Who are the homlins?

For many young visitors, the homlins were a true discovery. These Kaliningrad house spirits — their name derived from the English word home — were created by local artists Natalia and Sergei Shevchenko. According to legend, the homlins are a kind-hearted people. They work with amber and keep the secret of making marzipan. From time to time, however, they enjoy a little mischief, "borrowing" small items from humans to furnish their miniature homes.

Originally, the homlins were meant to become characters in a computer game. Yet the artists’ first sketches proved so appealing that the charming creatures soon turned into a whole family of bronze mini-sculptures and ultimately became symbols of Kaliningrad. The first to appear, eight years ago, was Grandfather Karl, installed on the Honey Bridge near Kant Island. His name was chosen by the entire city. In addition to Grandfather Karl, the homlin family includes Grandmother Martha, Father Leo, Mother Varya, and their three children — Vitya, Ulya and Antoshka. All of them are located in different parts of Kaliningrad, close to local landmarks.

Legend has it that anyone who encounters a homlin on the streets of Kaliningrad is sure to enjoy good fortune. Visitors can take photographs with them, make a wish, and be certain to return to the Amber Land. In winter, Kaliningrad residents warmly wrap the bronze house spirits in hats and scarves. According to local belief, the homlins always repay such care with kindness and success.

Magic within everyone’s reach

During the theatrical "A Fairytale Path" carol performances, Grandfather Karl not only told guests about Russia’s westernmost region, amber, and the Curonian Spit, but also played the “Baltic Choir” game with them. Young participants were invited to recreate the sound of waves, the whistle of the wind, the cries of seagulls, and even the laughter of the homlins themselves.

"The Kaliningrad region is the westernmost and, perhaps, the most fairy-tale region in Russia. It is no surprise that it sparked such strong interest among children. Children are difficult only for those who fail to approach them with sincerity. You have to reach them through the heart. If you come with a pure heart, a child will always respond in kind," summed up the actor Alexei Tsybenko, who performed the role of Grandfather Karl.

Homlins can also be seen at the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition, currently on display at the National Centre RUSSIA. They decorate the stand of their “home” Kaliningrad region, while a virtual model of Grandfather Karl introduces visitors to the region’s key symbols, landmarks and notable figures. Visitors can sign up for a guided tour of the exposition on the official website in the "Events" section.