Zlydzens

Zlydzens[1] are hazardous creatures in Belarusian mythology. These mythological characters often live under the masonry stove.

Sculpture of Zlydzen, by Belarusian sculptor Anton Shipitsa on the basis of illustrations by Valery Slauk

Description

In the fairy-tales and myths of Belarusian nation Zlydzens are usually described as small, humpbacked and nasty creatures that remind one of cats and dogs at the same time. They often wear big boots and hats with earflaps.[2]

Mode of life

These creatures are engaged in all sorts of harmful and damaging activities and ruin everything around them, quickly trying to make a mess. In Belarusian folklore it is said that Zlydzens are sometimes drawn to the homes of individuals who want to become rich quickly and of greedy owners.

Zlydzens play their nasty tricks in groups because, like many other small and harmful creatures, they are cowards and are afraid to act alone. When the owner leaves the house, Zlydzens emerge from their shelter and make a mess. They damage utensils, pour milk from pitchers; pans fly around the house. Cries of Zlydzens are heard all around the village. Zlydzens are always engaged in all sorts of harmful and damaging activities, and are constantly making a mess.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Magical World. From Belarusian Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales", Minsk, "Piatrus Brouka Belarusian Encyclopedia" Publishing House, 2008
  2. Boris Rybakov. Ancient Slavic Paganism. Moscow, 1981. Б. А. Рыбаков. Язычество древних славян. — М.: Наука, 1981. — ISBN 5-02-009585-0.
  3. Цыбулькин В. В., Сивальнёв А. Н., Сердюченко М. Н. «Влесова книга»: Быль и мифы Славянской цивилизации. — К.: ЧП Зеленский В. Л., 2016.


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