The Komi Chamber of Crafts has completed its “Heroes of Myths, Legends and Traditions of Komi” project, showcasing dolls embodying Komi folklore at the House of Friendship in Syktyvkar. These figures represent a journey into the world of fairy tales.

The project, undertaken over a year, aims to visualize and present mythological heroes through dolls. The collection features both benevolent defenders and malevolent villains, illustrating the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Heroes of Komi myths share similarities with Russian folk tale characters, such as Zaran resembling Alyonushka and Pera mirroring Ilya Muromets. The brownie Olysya echoes the Russian brownie, while the water spirit Vasa and goblin Vorsa find counterparts in Russian folklore.

Legends surrounding Pera and Zaran depict powerful deities and nature spirits. Pera, a hunter-hero, sought fire from the Sun but was scorched by lightning. His wife, Zaran, the daughter of the Sun, descended to earth with him, leading to a conflict and the eventual acquisition of fire for humanity by their children.

Another important figure is Yirkap, the owner of skis crafted from a magical tree, enabling him to aid people swiftly.

The primary antagonist is Vorsa, an evil forest spirit who challenges Pera’s hunting rights, often losing due to Pera’s cunning. Yag-Mort, a fearsome forest man, embodies human anxieties in the face of nature’s power.

The dolls are presented as collective images drawn from various sources, offering a visual representation of Komi mythological figures.

The project also highlights comparisons between Komi and Russian folklore. Baba Yoma parallels Baba Yaga, while Olysya, the Komi brownie, shares traits with his Russian counterpart. Kort-Ayka, a ruthless villain, resembles Koschey the Immortal, and Kődzyd Pöl, the Komi Father Frost, safeguards winter order.

Accompanying the doll collection is an album featuring Elena Ignatova’s dolls and illustrations by Elena Sokerina, providing a systematized guide to Komi tales and myths.