Russian Social Science Review

Magazine Overview

Title: Russian Social Science Review
Issue: Vol. 38, No. 1
Publication Date: 1997 (Published online December 8, 2014)
Article Title: The Mythological Ideas of the Russian People at Present and in the Past (Russian Folktales and the Stories About UFOs)
Author: Svetlana Ivanovna Dmitrieva

This issue of the Russian Social Science Review features an article by Svetlana Ivanovna Dmitrieva that delves into the mythological ideas of the Russian people, examining both traditional folklore and contemporary accounts of UFOs and poltergeists. The article highlights the enduring nature of these beliefs and their evolution within Russian culture.

Russian Mythological Ideas: Bylichki and Pobyval'shchiny

The article begins by identifying 'bylichki' (tales) and 'pobyval'shchiny' (narrations, true stories) as the primary genres expressing Russian mythological ideas. It notes that these genres remain active, with a significant increase in recordings in recent decades. This resurgence is attributed to the decline of official atheism and a growing scholarly interest in folk beliefs. Early researchers like M. V. Lomonosov attempted to systematize Russian mythological images, comparing them to ancient Greek and Roman ones. The collection of these stories has been significantly boosted by folklorists like V. P. Zinov'ev, who compiled extensive materials that expanded upon existing guides.

Researchers acknowledge that the number of recorded stories may not always reflect their true prevalence, as collectors can stimulate recounting. However, the increase in recordings undeniably testifies to the continued existence of this genre of folk creativity, which is now heard not only in villages but also in cities, influenced by Western trends.

Poltergeists and Modern Phenomena

The article draws parallels between traditional Russian beliefs and modern phenomena like poltergeists. It recounts instances reported in the Russian press, such as the 'barabashka' phenomenon in a Moscow dormitory, where an invisible spirit communicated through knocking. This event was later featured on television, involving researchers from the USSR Academy of Sciences. The article notes that spirits like 'barabashka' can exhibit aggressive behavior, causing physical disturbances. Another case involves the 'Nevidimka v Izmailovo' poltergeist affecting a family in Moscow, with phenomena like objects falling and shaking, which resisted attempts at exorcism.

Comparisons are made to historical accounts, including the famous Fox sisters in the United States, whose experiences in 1888 contributed to the rise of spiritualism. The term 'poltergeist' itself, meaning a 'noisy' or 'happy' spirit, is discussed in relation to Russian mythology.

Traditional Russian Spirits and Beliefs

The article explores various traditional Russian supernatural beings. The 'kikimora' is described as an invisible house spirit, often associated with mischief, particularly at night when the housewife sleeps. It is sometimes depicted as the wife of the 'domovoi,' a generally benevolent house spirit who can also play pranks when angered. The 'domovoi' is characterized by knocking and bustling at night, and seeing one is considered a bad omen. The text also mentions 'shulikony' (mischievous urchins living in abandoned places), 'chud'' (little people emerging from the earth), and 'seasonal demons' that appear at specific times of the year, such as Yuletide and the period before St. Peter and St. Paul's Feast.

'Hostage dead,' individuals who died unnatural or premature deaths, are also discussed. These spirits are believed to remain near their place of demise, buried at crossroads, and are known for their hostility towards the living. Stories of frightening apparitions at crossroads and roadsides are mentioned, with crosses seen as a means of salvation.

More frightening tales from Chita and Irkutsk oblasts describe apparitions of corpses at burial sites, accompanied by various noises and phenomena like large hands or horse teams appearing. Encounters with these spirits can lead to madness or death.

Contemporary Investigations and UFOs

The article touches upon modern investigations into unusual phenomena, citing an amateur group in Moscow that studies street phenomena, focusing on auditory and visual events recorded by witnesses. This group creates a cartography of these phenomena in Moscow, noting their uneven distribution. The phenomena range from unexplained sounds to apparitions, including a two-story-tall silhouette of a man and mysterious black cats.

Evgenii K., the leader of the Moscow group, categorizes unusual phenomena into four types: simple sounds; moving and nonmoving phantoms without sound; and dangerous phantoms with sound. He notes that many of these phenomena align with traditional bylichki. For instance, black cats crossing the street are linked to traditional stories about sorcerers and witches.

The article also discusses how modern technology influences these narratives. While traditional apparitions might appear in carriages, contemporary ones are described using automobiles. An eyewitness account details an invisible automobile making sounds and appearing to stop at a house, with subsequent sounds of footsteps and a door opening. The area where this occurred was known as 'Beria's House,' adding a layer of historical mystique.

The 'leshii,' or forest spirit, is presented as one of the most widespread characters in Russian mythology, considered the master of the forest. Encounters with a leshii are dangerous, potentially leading to sickness or death, and are often characterized by the spirit leading travelers astray. The article notes that peasants avoided uttering the word 'leshii' unnecessarily.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistence and transformation of Russian folk beliefs and mythological ideas. The article highlights the continuity between traditional folklore and contemporary experiences of the supernatural, including UFOs and poltergeists. It suggests that while the forms of expression may change (e.g., carriages replaced by automobiles), the underlying human fascination with the unknown and the desire to explain inexplicable events remain constant. The editorial stance appears to be one of scholarly inquiry, presenting documented accounts and folklore analysis without necessarily endorsing or dismissing the phenomena themselves, but rather exploring their cultural significance and evolution.

This document, comprising pages 64-73 of the "RUSSIAN SOCIAL SCIENCE REVIEW," published in April 2016, delves into the complex interplay between Russian folklore, particularly the figure of the Leshii (forest spirit), and modern phenomena such as the Abominable Snowman and UFO sightings. The articles explore eyewitness accounts, mythological parallels, and the evolution of these narratives.

The Leshii: A Forest Spirit

The Leshii is depicted as a forest master, a patron of animals, with roots in ancient folk prose tied to the hunting economy. Stories about the Leshii, known as bylichki and byval'shchiny, are common, especially among northern and Siberian Russians, suggesting a shared origin. The Leshii can appear in various forms, often resembling a person but with unusual features like no eyebrows, one ear, or a pointy head. It can also take on animalistic or anthropomorphic shapes. Its characteristics include great height, spiky hair, and excessively long arms. Unlike some other entities, the Leshii does not leave behind material traces of its presence.

Parallels with the Abominable Snowman

The article draws significant parallels between the Leshii and the Abominable Snowman (also referred to as the 'snezhnyi chelovek' or wild forest man). Both figures are described as tall, hairy, and possessing long arms. The pointy-headedness of the Abominable Snowman is highlighted as a key feature shared with many representations of 'unclean power,' including the Leshii. The sudden appearance and disappearance of both entities, along with their seemingly effortless movement, are also noted. Scholars like B. F. Porshnev view the Abominable Snowman as a preserved Neanderthal, a perspective echoed by zoologists from the Darwin Museum seminar. Comparisons are also made to other mythological figures like 'almasty' and 'yetti'.

UFO Phenomena and Mythological Connections

The document extensively discusses UFO phenomena and their connection to traditional mythology. Hundreds of thousands of reports and testimonies have been accumulated, with numerous groups researching UFOs across Russia and beyond. UFOs are described as flying objects of various geometric forms, including triangles, cubes, hexagons, and saucers, as well as 'soft' objects that change shape.

Crucially, the article posits that many 'miraculous' stories about UFOs have a direct relationship to traditional mythology. Eyewitness accounts of UFO-nauts often resemble mythological figures such as devils ('cherti'), angels, gnomes, and elves. These descriptions frequently include features like horns, six-digit extremities, large spheroid heads, and unusually long arms and legs, sometimes with wings. The concept of the devil in Russian mythology is presented as complex, absorbing features from various folk and literary sources, and is kin to other supernatural beings like the Leshii, vodianoi, and domovoi.

'Person in Black' and UFO Encounters

The 'person in black' is identified as a recurring figure in modern stories about poltergeists and UFOs, and also appears in Russian bylichki about devils. This figure is sometimes associated with arson and has attracted the interest of intelligence agencies. The article notes that UFO-nauts are often described as appearing with a bright radiance, and their encounters with humans can involve invitations onto spaceships.

Alien-Human Unions and Mythological Echoes

Stories about UFO-nauts and human unions, leading to pregnancy and childbirth, are compared to bylichki concerning 'fiery snakes' and 'demons' ('besy'). These narratives echo ancient religious ideas about intimate relations between gods or demons and humans, a theme found in Greek and Roman myths. The article cites Bud Hopkins' archive of over 4,000 accounts of women who claim to have had relationships with UFO-nauts, resulting in pregnancies and even births on other planets. A specific case from Bulgaria involving the Chaprazov family and their daughter Fatima is presented, where unusual apparitions and behavior were observed.

Wasting Diseases and Sorcery

The document also touches upon bylichki related to 'wasting diseases' ('porcha'), where sorcerers are the main characters. The 'ikota' and 'ikotniki' are discussed as a specific type of wasting disease and the sorcerers who inflict it. The ikota is described as a creature that can take animal or small human form, causing extreme desires, obscenity, or forcing a person to drink.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of the issue is the enduring influence of folklore and mythology on contemporary perceptions of unexplained phenomena. The articles suggest that ancient beliefs and archetypes continue to shape how people interpret and describe encounters with the unknown, whether it be a forest spirit, a cryptid, or a flying object. The editorial stance appears to be analytical and comparative, seeking to find connections and continuities between diverse accounts and traditions. The research presented highlights the rich tapestry of Russian folklore and its relevance in understanding modern-day mysteries.

This document is a section from the "RUSSIAN SOCIAL SCIENCE REVIEW," specifically page 74, focusing on the intersection of Russian folklore, shamanism, and modern UFO phenomena. The content is primarily analytical and academic, drawing connections between traditional beliefs and contemporary accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena.

The 'Ikota' and 'Znatlivy' in Folklore

The article begins by discussing the concept of 'ikota' in Russian folklore, describing it as a phenomenon where a sick person speaks in an altered voice, sometimes with obscene language or coherent phrases revealing the source of their illness. It then introduces the 'znatlivy' from the Mezen' and Pechora regions, who were believed to be 'all-knowing' individuals capable of causing and curing 'wasting diseases' with the help of spirits. These 'znatlivy' are compared to the Komi's 'znatkie,' who were skilled in fortune-telling and could locate stolen objects. Researchers link these figures to the 'volkhvy' (wizards) that St. Stephen of Perm fought against, noting shamanistic features in their practices. The art of sorcerers who inflict sickness is rooted in shamanism, where spirits are believed to possess the shaman during a séance ([kamlanie]), and the shaman's soul leaves the body.

Demonic Possession and Parallels with UFOs

The text draws a parallel between individuals suffering from 'wasting disease' and those described in the Bible as being possessed by demons ([besnovatye]). This phenomenon was considered epidemic during early Christianity, and exorcism was seen as a special gift. Ancient Russian literature, such as the seventeenth-century 'Povest' o besnovatoi zhene Solomonii' (The Lay of the Wife Solomoniia, Possessed by Demons), is cited as an example. Priests, in their duty to combat paganism, held a tolerant attitude towards those possessed by demons and attempted to cure them.

The article then shifts to modern UFO encounters, stating that stories about 'wasting disease' often relay tragic consequences of encounters with the 'other side.' Similarly, encounters with 'UFO-nauts' are described as dangerous, with cases of 'contacters,' including pilots, dying of serious illnesses. It is noted that professional pilots in the United States who have seen UFOs are dismissed from their jobs, and many UFOlogists suffer from blood diseases. A special laboratory was established in Moscow to provide medical aid to those affected by UFO phenomena.

Orthodox Church's Interpretation of UFOs

The views of the Orthodox clergy are presented, who see UFOs and poltergeist apparitions as spiritual beings known since antiquity. A brochure from the series "Don't Participate in the Affairs of Darkness" is quoted, stating that spiritual beings can adopt various forms depending on human perception. The appearance of UFOs in the 1940s is linked to humanity's psychological readiness for interstellar travel. The brochure asserts that UFOs and their 'pilots' are the same ancient, ill-intentioned beings that appeared to ancestors as monstrous figures and now present themselves with advanced technology. Many Western researchers are reportedly moving away from extraterrestrial hypotheses to focus on the consequences of contact with these phenomena on humans.

Valentina Vasil'eva's Alien Contact Experience

The article details the story of Valentina Vasil'eva, a Moscow artist whose paintings were exhibited in February 1990. Vasil'eva claims to have made contact with an extraterrestrial civilization on Saturn. She describes seeing a tall female figure and a luminous flying saucer from which the figure emerged. She subsequently agreed to meetings with 'contacters' in a forest outside Moscow, communicating telepathically. Vasil'eva, a radio engineer, began painting under what she describes as external guidance, depicting aliens with long, narrow faces and large, sad eyes. She believes her predisposition for spirit healing and clairvoyance made her a suitable contactee. However, the aliens reportedly forbade her to heal, instructing her to preach through her art. They revealed 'mysteries of the universe' and stated that many 'contacters' exist on Earth, with more to come. During contact, Vasil'eva experiences a tightening sensation around her head, often losing consciousness, and feels her body immobilizing, followed by a surge of energy.

Folklore vs. UFOs: A Common Source?

Vasil'eva's story is compared to traditional mythological stories of supernatural powers, categorized as 'legends or narratives' ([legendy ili predanii]), which are distinguished from 'tales' ([bylichki]) where supernatural powers are viewed negatively. The examination of modern UFO stories reveals widespread phenomena that bear an unquestionable similarity to traditional folklore, suggesting a common source. The Orthodox Church attributes this source to the Devil and his demons, whose primary characteristic is their ability to change appearance to lead humans astray. In contrast, scholars studying UFOs attribute the source to extraterrestrial civilizations. The article concludes by emphasizing the significance of this theme and the necessity of including ethnographic and folkloristic materials in the study of UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are the parallels between traditional folklore and modern UFO accounts, the interpretation of these phenomena through religious (Orthodox) and scientific (extraterrestrial) lenses, and the psychological underpinnings of belief in the supernatural. The editorial stance appears to be one of academic inquiry, exploring these connections without definitively endorsing any single explanation, while advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that includes ethnography and folklore.