This week on Strange Talk, Alyx and Mark venture deep into the heart of Eastern European folklore with a truly spellbinding guest—Dr. Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, a distinguished professor of Russian folklore and linguistics. Join us as Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby shares the chilling myths and legends surrounding two of Slavic folklore’s most enigmatic and fearsome entities: Baba Yaga and the rusalka. 
Prepare to be captivated by tales of the witch-like Baba Yaga, who dwells in a house on chicken legs and is said to possess dark, unpredictable powers. Discover the eerie lore of the rusalka, the vengeful spirits of drowned women who rise from the depths to exact their tragic revenge. Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby will illuminate the origins, symbolism, and the unnerving presence these legends continue to hold in contemporary culture and illuminate the distinctions between tales, myths, and legends.

Tune in for an episode rich with the echoes of mysterious Slavic legends that will leave you questioning the mysteries that lurk just beyond the veil of folklore.

Music for this episode includes the Strange Talk Intro by Star Silk, Baba Yaga by Kevin MacLeod, and backing tracks by LoFiGeek