In Slavic folklore, there is a witch who lives at the boundary of the deep forest. Her name is Baba Yaga, and her home is a living hut that stands on giant, jointed chicken legs. To keep out unwanted guests, it has no doors or windows, and is surrounded by a fence made of human bones. At night, the skulls atop the fence posts glow with a ghostly light. The only way to enter is to speak a ritual command: 'Hut, hut, turn your back to the forest and your front to me.' Inside, the witch herself is bony-legged, lying across the entire room with her nose touching the ceiling. Outside, the gate to her property is made of human legs, the bolts are human arms, and the lock is a set of sharp, snapping teeth.
Baba Yaga
The witch of Slavic folklore travels in a mortar, lives in a hut on chicken legs, and tests all who enter her forest domain.
Chapter 1
The Hut on Chicken Legs
0:55
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baba Yaga's hut like?
Baba Yaga lives in a magical hut that stands on giant chicken legs. It can move and turn on command, and is surrounded by a fence made of human bones topped with skulls that glow at night. The gate is made of leg bones, the bolts are arm bones, and the lock is a mouth full of sharp teeth.
How does Baba Yaga travel?
Unlike witches who use broomsticks, Baba Yaga flies through the air inside a large stone or iron mortar. She steers with the pestle and uses a silver birch broom to sweep away her tracks, making her impossible to follow.
Is Baba Yaga always evil?
Not always. Folklorists like Vladimir Propp see her as a 'Donor' figure who tests heroes rather than a simple villain. While she can be dangerous, she often provides worthy individuals with magical items or guidance after they complete her difficult tasks.
Learn more
To continue the story, download the Chunks Microlearning app
Or get it straight away:
Download on iOS
Download on Android