A Study of RusalkiSlavic Mermaids of Eastern Europe (Spirits and Creatures Series Book 2) by Ronesa Aveela

A Study of RusalkiSlavic Mermaids of Eastern Europe (Spirits and Creatures Series Book 2) Reviews

• 
  Myridia

  Another enjoyable and haunting foray into Eastern European mythology. I've grown up with so many versions of mermaid tales, all Western-based, so it was intriguing to discover their Eastern parallels and their various origin stories. The latter, arising out of the pagan rituals of old peasant societies, often had a sexist element about them - as the Rusalki represented girls and women who defied in some way the cultural norms of their time. But it was also interesting to see the duality of these spirits, how they were shunned for their "atypical" female image, yet relied upon as a positive force of nature that nourished the land. And their portrayal also changed when the old folktales merged with Christianity, indicating how myths often reflect the reality people want to create.
  
  Of course, these advocated realities heavily restricted women's lives, which mainly revolved around marriage and childbirth. That makes the Rusalki all the more fascinating by contrast, as they were depicted as the freest of women, whether in their physical image and sexuality or in their choices to bless or harm human beings (often men) at will. Though they were often used as a cautionary tale to rebellious/strong women, as these spirits were created through untimely deaths or taboo behavior, their lore also feels like a response to those antiquated gender restrictions, a subversion of them, and this is a duality worth considering as well.
  
  Finally, I loved seeing how these stories sometimes inspired the modern versions of mermaids and sirens that we know so well. Even Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid has some significant similarities, in that neither the titular mermaid nor the Rusalka is known to have a soul: therein lies their main difference from humankind, which can alternately be seen as a blessing or a curse. I also enjoyed reading about the Rusalki references that appear in Eastern European literature, including many of the Russian greats' works. Once again, I'm glad Aveela took the time to compile all these sources, to give us as complete and complex a picture as possible. Despite their status as restless spirits, the Rusalki still retain much humanity in their portrayals - a strong and necessary reminder of the light and darkness that permeate our existence.
• 
  C.A. King

  This was fascinating and much darker than I expected. I love learning new lore especially about different creatures around the world - the poems, opera and other stories made this a delightful read.
• 
  Thomas Davis

  Another passionate work.
  
  Another highly informative work. I am always in awe of the amount of research and attention to detail that must go into these endeavors. Truly a work of passion and a learning experience.
• 
  Kamila

  Besides few academic papers, I couldn't find many longer texts dedicated fully to rusalka. At last, this book is very informative and gathers beliefs about rusalki from different Slavic countries.
  The book presents research-based writing (with a good further reading list to explore at the end!), and combines it with folk anecdotes and literature analysis.
  It also dismantles symbolism within the rituals and places many folk beliefs in the social context (my favourite aspect of folklore research).
  
  It was difficult at times to go through the writing style and I think it easily could have been more engaging - so rating this book is a bit of a struggle, but the amount of information and references makes it worth reading and recommending.
• 
  Kayla Krantz

  This was an interesting read.
  
  While doing my own paranormal studies, I’ve come across the idea of Rusalkis in passing but I’ve never learned so much about them. The idea that this one creature can have so many different ideas weaving together the folklore is fascinating. Every culture seems to have their own explanation for what creates one of these tortured souls and everything that they are capable of doing.
  
  I would recommend this book for people interested in learning about folklore/mythology.
  
• 
  Fiona

  A fascinating read about the origins of Rusalki from who/what they are, to their powers and weaknesses, rites to honour them and rites to banish them. Their contradictions, being both good and evil interested me as did the various ways they have been depicted in literature, song and theatre.
  As well as explaining the different beliefs surrounding Rusalki the author also re-tells many tales that show how they fit into Eastern European culture and folklore. Throughout the book is well-chosen artwork. A great deal of information is given and yet the book is easy to read.
  Recommend.
• 
  Johanna Craven

  I've always had a fascination with mermaids and I loved the way this book delved into as aspect of folklore that I had never considered. The folktales of mermaids that come from Eastern Europe are very different to the stories I had heard in the past. I found it particularly fascinating how the stories of the rusalki were linked to the roles of women in day-to-day life. There are also some beautiful illustrations in the book that really bring the tales to life. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in folklore.
• 
  Yvette Bostic

  This is a fascinating compilation of folklore about mermaids. Not only is it full of interesting references, but is written in a way that made me want to keep reading. The author did a fantastic job putting it all together in one easy to read book.
  If you're looking for history and lore about the Slavic merfolk and water spirits, look no further.
• 
  Cherime MacFarlane

  A wealth of information in a well written and illustrated package. Easy to read and full of nuggets, I learned quite a bit. In between it all, the underlying narrative reiterated the plight of women in rural societies. I am so glad to be born in a different time and place. This is a great resource, glad I got it.
  
• 
  Kat Drennan

  In-depth collection of stories and myths
  
  Everything you wanted to know about the legendary mermaids of Eastern Europe, including poetry of the masters and a retelling of Hans Christian Andersens, The Little Mermaid.
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  Trudie Collins

  I don’t usually read this type of book. I found it interesting and informative. I particularly liked the fact that some short stories, plays and poems were included.