Exploring the Origins of Russian Folklore

Most of us know of Russian folklore – whether it's the classic firebird legend, or Josef Yastrab's animated masterpiece, Nevesta-Vorona – but its true origins are often shrouded in mystery. It's the purpose of this article to discover the forgotten stories and mysteries that form the heart of Russian folklore.

There are two primary sources from which Russian folklore comes from: pagan myths and Orthodox Christian beliefs. Both of these religions have strong ties throughout Russian history, and have heavily influenced generations of storytellers over time.

The earliest records of Russian folklore date back to the 10th century when the Slavic peoples of eastern Europe began to migrate into the region we now call Russia. Around this time, the myths and legends of the pagan religion were first recorded, living on in times of peace, war, and revolution. After the adoption of Christianity in Russia in the 10th century, many of the pagan myths were re-imagined and incorporated into Orthodox Christian beliefs. For example, some of the old paganisms continue to survive in the shapes of the divine in the Eastern Orthodox pantheon. Even today, some pagan figures such as Makosh and Lada remain a popular in Russian storytelling.
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The origins of Russian folklore can also be found in the common themes seen in both Slavic and Russian literature today. The popular Russian fairy-tale, Vasilisa the Beautiful, is a common example of these themes. It is based on a 10th century folktale and illustrates many of the common folktale elements: magic, transformation, and adventure. In the Vasilisa the Beautiful, the old Russian deity, Baba Yaga, plays a major role in the narrative.

Russian folklore also draws extensively from its neighbors. Turkish, Mongolian, and Chinese stories and motifs are often found in Russian folktales, sculpting the style and narrative of such stories. For example, in the classic Russian tale Alyosha Popovich, the hero of the story is not a Slavic prince, but rather a disciple of a magic-monger of Indian origin.

Other motifs that are highly common in Russian folklore include the idea of a mythical creature or power. Slavic mythology often centered on dragons, griffins, and sea monsters, and the use of magical artifacts and objects in such tales. Moreover, the notion of a trickster character is also quite popular in Russian folktales, such as the character of the cunning fox in the classic Russian fairy-tale The Scarlet Flower.

At its core, what makes Russian folklore so special is the combination of Slavic paganism, Orthodox Christian beliefs, and influences from neighboring countries that meld together to create a truly unique narrative style and world. By understanding the origins of Russian folklore, one can better appreciate the timeless stories that have been passed down through generations.
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