Русская демонология. Мертвецы о железных зубах, змеи-прелестники и кикимора кабацкая

At night in an old village hut, it's terrifying: the moon peeks through the window, someone is scratching behind the stove, mysterious creaks and sighs come from the attic. And in the forest beyond the village, there are devil's paths and dreadful ravines, where the upyrs grind their iron teeth, forest pools where the water spirit swirls the water day and night, and mermaids sway on willow branches.
This vivid book immerses you in the atmosphere of beloved stories from childhood—mystical tales by Nikolai Gogol from the series 'Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka', scary ballads by Vasily Zhukovsky, and creepy tales that everyone shared in kindergarten, at camp, or heard in their grandmother's village. Its author, Ksenia Polkonnikova, a staff member of the Department of Russian Oral Folk Art at the Faculty of Philology of Lomonosov Moscow State University and IMLI RAS, a teacher at the Moscow State University School of Young Philologists, will guide you through places where you might encounter evil spirits: untouched forest paths, the banks of millponds, dreadful ravines, and crossroads.
You will peek into a midnight bathhouse and sneak a glance (carefully!) at who is washing there late at night, climb the bell tower at night, where the bell ringer in a red cap sits, and learn how to fend off persistent, unclean companions and lead unwanted guests with horns and hooves out into the clear water.

You will learn why the kikimora is actually not a swamp creature but quite domestic, when the domovoy’s name day and the mermaid’s Easter are celebrated, which professions, according to folk beliefs, are acquainted with the unclean forces, and what otherworldly etiquette must be observed in their habitats. 
This extensive authorial research is richly illustrated with folklore texts: tales, legends, true stories, and even real folk spells against the mischief of the kikimora, leshy, and fire serpent. Additionally, under the cover, you will find a unique bonus chapter dedicated to the characters of contemporary folklore: urban legends, internet folklore, campfire stories, and children's scary tales—from the Queen of Spades and the Stone Drummer to the Coffin on Wheels and the Spirit of Pushkin.

Colorful illustrations by contemporary artist Infuria with charismatic heroes will transport you to a frightening yet cozy universe of terrifying Russian folklore. Brew some tea with bagels and hurry under the blanket!