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by Svitlana Krys (Foreword by), Orest Somov (Author)
In "The Witches of Kyiv and Other Gothic Tales by Orest Somov" the supernatural is present throughout Ukraine, from a cemetery in Kyivan Rus, to an isolated forest cottage in the seventeenth century Kozak era, to the society ballrooms of Somov's own world - the early nineteenth century. Gothic horror appears in many guises including witches, warlocks, demons and vengeful rusalka. "The Witches of Kyiv" - A besotted newlywed husband is drawn into a wild occult world of incantations, apparitions and a savage Witch's Sabbath on the outskirts of old Kyiv."Rusalka" - Supernatural spirits who inhabit the waterways of Ukraine beguile a lovelorn young girl, and sorely test a mother's devotion."The Evil Eye" - A prosperous landowner, Kozak Mykyta looks into the eyes of true evil when a hellish guest covets his three beautiful, virtuous daughters."Wandering Light" -Triumphant after a deadly battle, a warrior named Velesyl returns for his bride but instead encounters an eery, glowing spirit."Kupalo Eve" - On the banks of the Dnieper River a handsome knight partakes enthusiastically in the pagan rites of Kupalo Eve and is entranced by the cool charm of a supple maiden. "God's Fool" - Fun-loving officer Melskyi, who normally frequents gaming tables and summer balls is confounded by the eccentric drifter Vasyl. Dubbed 'God's Fool', yet able to read minds and divine fates, Vasyl guides Melskyi through flippant flirtations, bizarre dreams and a deadly serious duel to meet his destiny. Native folk traditions, ghost stories and European Romanticism are twisted together in Somov's imaginative tales, most of which are published here in English for the first time.
