Russian Fairy Tales
Berehynia The
Berehynia is both a water fairy/goddess and a hearth mother, a
protector of the home. As I have argued it seems likely that the
Rusalka, nymphs and similar water spirits are remnants of Europe’s
oldest spirits. Further such beings are civilizing beings and so well
at times take on the role of hearth spirit. Others have argued that the
Berehynia is a remnant of the Scythian Earth Goddess. I would however
point out that the Scythians most important deity was Tabiti who Greek
historians equated to Hestia the goddess of the hearth and agriculture,
not Gaia the Earth Mother.
I would equate Berehynia to the
Rusalka, Vila and Nymphs as a water fairy/goddess which brings life and
protects the home and family.
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