Zheuzhyk
Zheuzhyk (Belarusian: Жэўжык)[1] is a creature of Belarusian mythology. It is considered to be a good creature that lives deeply in the lake bed. Zheuzhyk is considered to be the guardian of rivers and lakes of Belarus.
Description
[edit]In Belarusian folklore Zheuzhyk is described as a thin old man with a long red beard, long and thin arms and legs.[2]
Mode of life
[edit]As it is said in Belarusian myths, during a day Zheuzhyk swims underwater, and at night Zheuzhyk slowly swims round its possession on boat, dispersing the waves. There is a belief, that is somebody gets into a trouble on water, Zheuzhyk will surely come to rescue. Zheuzhyk is so strong that it may even stop the wind and the storm.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Magical World. From Belarusian Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales", Minsk, "Piatrus Brouka Belarusian Encyclopedia" Publishing House, 2008
- ^ Цыбулькин В. В., Сивальнёв А. Н., Сердюченко М. Н. «Влесова книга»: Быль и мифы Славянской цивилизации. — К.: ЧП Зеленский В. Л., 2016.
- ^ Boris Rybakov. Ancient Slavic Paganism. Moscow, 1981. Б. А. Рыбаков. Язычество древних славян. — М.: Наука, 1981. — ISBN 5-02-009585-0.