The Witch in Ukrainian Folk Beliefs

For readers aged 16+ and those interested in history, culture, and Ukrainian mythology.

Witch, upyrytsia, sorceress, znakhurka, bosorkania… The very diversity of names testifies to the popularity of this colorful character in traditional Ukrainian folk demonology. In his book "The Witch in Ukrainian Folk Beliefs," Volodymyr Halaichuk explores materials on witchcraft from various ethnic regions of Ukraine. Which witches are more malicious — learned or born? Is it true that the seventh daughter is born a witch, and can be identified by a tail or unibrow? How are deadly spells passed on with a shot of vodka? Do vampires help witches get to Lysa Hora, and how are frogs and snakes involved in stealing milk?

The author describes how, according to our ancestors' beliefs, witches acquired supernatural abilities, used and transmitted "power," and died; he explains how the image of the evil sorceress became an integral part of our traditional spiritual culture.