12/2/2021
Episode #117 “The Baba Yaga“
Today, I’ll be talking about some stories from Slavic or Russian folklore, specifically some stories about the Baba Yaga. What is the Baba Yaga? Well, she’s a mistress of magic, a supernatural old witch. She lives in a hut usually described as standing on chicken legs. I’ll be featuring a few folktale readings about the Baba Yaga today from the book Russian Fairy Tales by Alexander Afanasyev including “Baba Yaga and The Brave Youth” and “Baba Yaga”. In honor of old age, today’s show will feature some old age inspired music as part of today’s playlist.
Today’s Playlist
Wild Witch Lady – Donovan
Crow Black Chicken – The New Lost City Ramblers
The Witch Queen of New Orleans – Redbone
A Chicken Can Waltz the Gravy Around – Stovepipe No 1, David Crockett
The Old Man And The Old Woman – Don Messer
Old And In The Way – Hazel Dickens
A Woman Half My Age – Kitty Wells
Hello Grandma – Lyle Lovett
Old Lady & The Devil – Bill & Belle Reed
I’ve Aged 20 Years In 5 – George Jones
Old Man at the Mill – The Dillards
Hand Me Down My Walking Cane – Norman Blake
Old Salty Dog Blues – Flatt and Scruggs
Ugly & Slouchy – The Maddox Brothers
Intro and theme music Omie Wise (feat. Kalia Yeagle) by Hasee Ciaccio
Background instrumental music by Brittany Haas, Produced by Darol Anger. All traditional old-time tunes. 2004.
Resources and Additional Materials