Russian Fairy Tales (RUSS 0090)

Mythic Birds

alkonost

A bird of paradise, in apocrypha and legends the bird of sorrow and melancholy. Portrayed in lubok pictures with wings and human arms, and the body and face of a woman. The image of Alkonost is traceable ot the Greek myth of Alcion, who threw himself into the sea and was transformed by the gods into a kingfisher (halcyon). Alkonost lays eggs on the seashore and, burying them in the depths of the sea, makes it calm for six days. Whoever hears Alkonost’s song forgets about everything in the world.

gamaiun

A bird of paradise mentioned in the apocrypha and sacred verse as a “wise bird,” as is the sirin and kagan. It flies beneath the heavens and lives in the sea. Portrayed with a woman’s face and chest/breasts, or as a large bird flying out from the sea depths. Its cries are a prophecy of happiness.

sirin

Fabulous bird of paradise with a human form; bird of joy, success. It entrances people with its singing. Its songs are a model/form of the divine word, which enchants humankind, and the singing elicits joy. Only a happy or lucky person can hear the song, and not everyone can see Sirin, for she flies away as quickly as do fame and success.

finist

From Greek feniks, a fabulous bird that rises from its own ashes. A wondrous husband in the form of a falcon (with feathers during the daytime, and a handsome youth at night).

Original version by Helena Goscilo.