In Russia’s regions, myths travel with locals. In Perm, tales of fears around hiccups and goblins echo among children; in Tatarstan, the witch Albasta haunts the stories; in Yakutia, legends speak of ghosts called yuers. Specialists from the Tutu service shared these regional myths with socialbites.ca, painting a vivid map of heroes from Russia’s folklore across different areas.
The Perm people know what hiccups are and what they pretend to be. Folklore holds that this magical creature lives inside people, often linked to women. Its appearance remains unseen, but descriptions describe it as a liquid, moldy, and small, hairy being. Hiccups are said to fly into the mouth, sometimes occurring when someone speaks harshly at a party or drinks water too quickly, according to the experts.
The conversation also turns to what some call Russian vampires. In many regions these beings go by different names, including ghouls. Ghouls are imagined quite differently from the cinematic vampires; they are not sun-averse, nor do they rely on fashion for their mood. In villages and hamlets they are believed to have red faces from blood drinking and long claws. An evil sorcerer or a person who causes significant harm to others might become one. Dahl’s Explanatory Dictionary notes a close link between ghouls and werewolves, portraying the creature as a person who shifts into a wolf or a Witcher-like figure at night. The terms bloodsucker and the use of an aspen stake are cited as traditional remedies against these creatures, according to the experts.
Folklore in Yakutia also includes ghosts, according to local legends and tales. The yuers are the spirits believed to roam among the living. They often visit familiar places and loved ones, typically not intending harm to relatives, yet they can be dangerous and sometimes require ritual sacrifices guided by a shaman. Some beliefs say a person guilty in life may become a yuer. Usually invisible, the yuer can appear as a ghost to those who encounter it, the service specialists explained.
Mordovian mythology mentions a water spirit named Vedyava, commonly depicted as a beautiful young woman with blond hair. The lore holds that Vedyava may drown in the river, particularly men. Initially she cries and laments that her clothes have sunk to the bottom. Those who dive for her clothes are said to never return to shore. A husband named Vedya is sometimes mentioned in the stories. Yet Vedyava can occasionally offer aid, such as assisting women in conceiving; offerings like cakes are tossed into the river to gain the spirit’s favor, the experts noted.
Turkic mythology also contributes a creature to these tales: a witch with three eyes, enormous claws, and wildly tangled hair that seems to reach in every direction. Albasty does not always appear as a woman; sometimes she shows up as a tree, a cart loaded with hay, or any other lifeless object. The witch is described as hating dolls. Travelers should not worry, the experts assure, because Albasta is unlikely to be encountered on a trip to Kazan. Still, there are interesting excursions and excellent dining experiences awaiting curious visitors.
In the end, the stories bring Banniks into the spotlight. If a journey includes a bathhouse, sauna, or spa, a bannik may show up as a local brownie. Eastern Slavic beliefs link all misfortunes in the bathhouse to those places themselves—burns from boiling water, disagreements, or slammed walls. The bannik is said to enjoy steaming after midnight, so travelers may prefer to schedule visits earlier or later. A simple remedy cited by experts involves offering a pinch of salty or soapy bread to calm the resident spirit.
These insights reflect a tradition of caution and curiosity that accompanies travel across Russia’s diverse regions, reminding visitors that folklore often travels with people. The stories remain a colorful thread woven into the fabric of regional culture, shaping local rituals, superstitions, and the way journeys are planned and enjoyed.