Mavka () also Nyavka () is a type of female spirit in Ukrainian folklore and mythology. The Mavka is a long-haired figure, sometimes naked, typically depicted as temptress figures who lure men to their deaths.
Terminology
There is variation in the names and spelling, including , , , , , . However, depending on telling, there are differences between the Mavka and Nyavka. These terms all derive from , and are cognate with , (plural).
Folklore
The spirits known by this term represented the souls of girls who had died unnatural, tragic or premature deaths, particularly unchristened babies. s often appear in the form of beautiful young girls who entice and lure young men into the woods, where they "tickle" them to death. s have no reflection in water, nor do they cast shadows. In some accounts, they were also said to help farmers by looking after cattle and driving out wild animals.
A subtype of the Mavkas are the Nyavkas, which behave the same except for having "no back", meaning that their spine and some other insides can be seen; the most defining feature between determining Mavkas and Nyavkas is whether or not the insides are visible from the back.
Mavkas and Nyavkas were believed to live in groups in forests, mountain caves, or sheds, which they decorated with rugs. They made thread of stolen flax and wove thin transparent cloth for making clothes for themselves. They loved flowers, which they wore in their hair. In the spring they planted flowers in the mountains, to which they enticed young men, whom they tickled to death. On Pentecost (known as 's Easter, ) they held games, dances, and orgies. A demon accompanied them on a flute or pipes.
To save an unchristened baby's soul, one must throw up a kerchief during Pentecost holidays, say their name and add "I baptise you". The rescued soul would then go to heaven. If the soul lived up to seven years and did not go to heaven, the baby would turn into a and haunt the earth.
Popular culture
s are depicted in literature, most notably in Lesia Ukrainka's The Forest Song and nyavkas are depicted in Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky's Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors. In modern culture the image is developed and narrated by a Ukrainian music band Mavka. and the film Mavka: The Forest Song.
In 2022 Ukrainian singer Eria released song "Mavka".