The Domovoy

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The Domovoy

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ıllı Anastasia Balakhnina ıllı

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#ccmf

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•• Intro ••

   The Domovoy— or alternatively, Domovoi— is a household spirit originating from Slavic Mythology. They are said to be guardian spirits who protect the family of whatever household they’re around. While benevolent and helpful, these house spirits are also said to be mischievous, pulling tricks at unsuspecting victims and having a mean temper. So, why don’t we take a good look and identify what this spirit truly is?

•• Name ••

   The name Domovoy can be traced back with the help from its Russian name, Домовой. Particularly, “Дом” (Dom) means “house.” Consequently, many other Slavic languages share that particular part of the name to denote their variant of a household spirit: the Polish Domowik, Ukrainian Domovyk, Serbo-Croatian Domaci, Czech Domovníček, and Belarusian Damavik.

   Interestingly, in Russian folklore, the Domovoy has a rather important title of Dedushka (Дедушка), which means grandfather. More into this later!

•• Origin ••

   The Origins of the Domovoy is said to date back in 1600, or even beyond that, though it has mostly surfaced sometime in the mid-1900. It was a general belief that the spirits of a departed kin or family member would come back from the grave to haunt its familial dwelling or household. They did this to see the faces of the mourners, their living family. However, they appear not as apparitions or spectres, but birds of many kinds. Some appear as swallows, while others as cuckoos. Generally, they come in all kinds of small avians or songbirds, so that they may sing and chirp a tone to their loved ones to console them.

   So, how they held the title of “Grandfather”?

   Anyway, this helped influenced the creation of the Domovoy; it was believed that the head of the family would continue watching over the new generation as a spirit to guide them. Sometimes to guard their treasures or wail alongside them when death came to seize another of their kin. It is, therefore, believed that each family’s Domovoy represents a fallen ancestor. This resulted in its attribute to something akin to ancestor worship. However, there are some claims which say that any head of the family can become a Domovoy after they die, regardless of age.

   While that can explain why the Domovoy is said to dwell beneath doorsteps, it doesn’t offer a concrete explanation why they chose to haunt ovens or hearths. Whatever the case might be, the oven and the hearths are a sacred place to the Domovoy. One practice involves raking up soot and leftover coals from the family's old house and transferring it to their new home. Once there, they would place it into the oven, saying, "Welcome, grandfather, to the new home!" Additionally, the first to step foot inside the new home must always be the head of the house.

   Moving on, the connection between the spirit and fire might also attribute to fire-worship. It is most likely because fire is symbolic to life or life renewed, a manifestation of power, or even progress. Note that most peasants worked on fields, and these fields are ploughed or tilled with the help of equipment forged from fire.

   Oh, and to note, it is equally possible for a female Domovoy— this indicates the current head of the household was a woman. Furthermore, the Domovoy may take on the appearance of dogs or cats. Snakes were also depicted as a symbol of the household spirit among the Slavic people. The most traditional depiction of them, however, was that of an old man… something like a gnome or dwarf, with bushy beards and all.

•• Characteristics ••

   The Domovoy is seen as benevolent guardian spirits that reside in its familial dwelling wherein, they could look over their heirs or family that were still living. They especially have a fondness towards hard-working people and would do all that they could to help them. Children and pets, too, are their favourites— with what their innocence and loyalty to the family respectively.

   These household guardians are said to help the household when faced with calamities like fires or typhoons. When faced with the prospect of war, they would knock on the front door of the house as a warning. Other times, they would act upon impending danger, particularly if the household was being targeted by mischievous fae folk. They would also check on the farmland and its animals or do chores that had been forgotten. If particularly happy, they would bless the household with a bountiful harvest, financial and emotional stability, or simply help them with individual successes. They truly have such close ties to their household. In fact, when a family member dies, the Domovoy was said to also wail in the dark of night, grieving for the loss.

   Unfortunately, they have a rather short temper coupled with a mischievous nature. If offended, the Domovoy would play tricks on the family until they are appeased. Included in these acts of mischief were breaking of objects, causing food to spoil, or knotting the tails of livestock and causing a meagre harvest. Another response was to quit being a protector of the family altogether, leaving them vulnerable to the dangers of famine, disease, war, and nature herself. Offerings to the Domovoy were frequently presented at the hearth or oven, usually farm produce or particularly, corn and milk. Porridge or grains of rice as well.

   And, how they appreciate hard-working people? Well, whenever the Domovoy sees the household being lazy, it would throw a tantrum and break the plates and glasses. All things considered, they are not particularly malevolent spirits. More like, benevolent spirits that are strict and particular when it comes to duties and all.

•• How do they relate to me the most? ••

   Well, the key interests here are as follows:

   1. Helping the family.

   I love my family, even if they drive me insane sometimes, and I would do all that I could to help, making use of my strengths, talents and whatnot. I would not hesitate to think twice when it comes to helping them whether it be during trying times or in everyday life. Be it household chores, shopping, or watching over tiny munchkins, I’ll do what it takes to lessen the burden of my family.

   2. Easily angered and offended.

   Okay, while I do say that I have a lot of patience and all that… many times, I’m not. And when that time comes, those who had slighted me be prepared for my worst. I will not hesitate to fight back (or talk back, in some cases.) against those who run my patience thin enough so that I’ve reached my breaking point.

   3. I don’t like lazy and entitled people.

   I mean, why, though? As much as I love to loaf around, it’s at least when I’m done doing all that I need to do for that day. My upbringing apparently has something to do with this, but I couldn’t just play a game or watch a show if I haven’t finished my chores. Or homework, at times. That being said, if someone around me and is being lazy, I’d confront them about it. The same thing to entitled people. I will approach an entitled person and politely request them to calm down. If not, well... some things can't be said.

   4. Easily appeased by food.

   Well, what can I say except Kuchi sabishii— or that I have a lonely mouth? As in, I’d eat something when I’m bored, so if someone were to offer me food, I won’t hesitate. To be fair though, I have my limits as well. I won’t take food from strangers, for instance. Anyway, if someone gives me food, I will calm down. The more food, the better.

   5. Fondness for animals.

   Like the Domovoy, I express a particular fondness for animals. Cats and dogs are my two favourite household pets. Birds are up there too, seeing as I have formerly owned a giant bird… thing… (I forgot what it’s called, but it looks like a parrot, but it’s not a parrot.) Anyway, I love animals and pets and will likely die from happiness if a bunch of them trample me with their soft, pudgy fluffs and feathers and cotton-like fur.

•• Outro ••

   And there you have it, my submission for the Fantasy Club's challenge! In all honesty, I was supposed to use the character Suya Rhys (or Suya, for short) when submitting, but I decided to challenge myself and find a different character, and in mythology to boot.

   Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed this one~!

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Sources:

climadoor

Britannica, Domovoy

Ancient Origins

Vamzzz

ThoughCo.

Solntsa Roshcha

Britannica, Fire Worship

ıllı David Fortin ıllı

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