@Nathan6692 28 February 2021 more from that month

THE ALKONOST In Russian legends, the alkonost was a creature with the head of a woman and the body of a bird. It could sing the most enchanting melodies. Those who heard its song let go of everything they had ever known, desiring nothing more as long as they lived. Before Christian influence, the alkonost was believed to live on the magical island of Buyan. Similar to a bird of paradise in appearance, it was considered to be a wind spirit, able to summon up storms. The alkonost lays her eggs on the gently sloping seashore and moves them into the sea to hatch. Their hatching causes the sea to become rough while a thunderstorm manifests and they are considered to be wind spirits. In Christian times, the home of the alkonost became the Garden of Eden, while she became God’s messenger to the saints, singing them wonderful songs to inspire and encourage them. The alkonost had a companion bird called the sirin. They were once both considered to be birds of good fortune and regarded as protective spirits. The alkonost guarded good fortune in the day while the sirin protected it through the night. Russians carved their likeness on doorways and entrances in their home for good luck. Over time this changed and they appeared together as alter egos of each other. The alkonost became seen as being good, while the sirin was given a darker persona similar to sirens in Greek mythology. While the alkonost was believed to promise the saints eternal life in paradise, the sirin was seen as a bringer of death. #info #EverythingsInfo