Babay (Slavic Folklore)

Babay (or Babai) is a night spirit in Slavic Mythology and Folklore. It was believed that he was abducting children who were not sleeping.[1] His female equivalent is Babayka (Babaika).

Appearance

Babay is rarely described as in this case children can imagine him in the form most terrible for them. However, in some legends Babay is described as a black and crooked old man. He has some physical defects, such as muteness, armlessness, and lameness. Babay has a bag and a cane.[2] It is believed that he lives in the forest, in a swamp or in a garden.[3] At night, he walks through the streets and puts into his bag children who meet him on the way. Walking near the houses, Babay stands close to the windows and watches the children. If they are not sleeping, he starts to make scary noises. Also, Babay can sometimes hide under the children's bed, and he may take the children if they get up.

Etymology

Word babay is translated as grandfather, old man from the Tatar language.[1]

References
  1. Kushnir 2014.
  2. Shaparova Natalya Sergeevna Short Encyclopedia of Slavic Mythology. — AST, 2001.
  3. "Бабай". Bestiary.us. Retrieved 2018-11-10.

Bibliography
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