The Woman in Russian Tales. The Beautiful Maiden, the Wonderful Wife, and Baba Yaga - Archetypes of Femininity in Russian Folk Tradition

The Beautiful Maiden is the first thing that comes to mind when we think about women in Russian folk tradition. But who is actually behind this brief and impersonal description, and what can we expect from her?
This book will tell about how the multifaceted nature of femininity is embodied in Russian fairy tales, heroic epics, and mythology: the obedient daughter, the faithful wife, the cunning witch, the mysterious mermaid, or the powerful goddess. Through them, the most important values, lessons, and traditions are transmitted, which for centuries have shaped perceptions of beauty, strength, and femininity.

The modest and hardworking girl knows how to negotiate with willful forces of nature, magical beings, and objects, while the humble wife of a not-so-bright hero cleverly solves his problems and pulls him out of trouble. However, one should not relax: the beautiful maiden is often accompanied by a stepmother and wicked sisters, and she herself may eventually turn into a foolish old woman or an evil witch, scarier than Baba Yaga herself. This book allows you to explore all facets of femininity in fairy tales, epics, and legends.