Viy is a mystical novel written by Nikolai Gogol, first published in his stories collection "Mirgorod" in 1835. The name of the story is the name of the Slavic demonic male creature with which the plot is associated.
In a footnote to the book, Gogol wrote that the story is a popular legend, which he had told without changing. Meanwhile, the researchers still haven’t found any work of folklore, which would certainly resemble Viy.
Name of the fantastic underground spirit - Viy - was coined by the writer as a result of the compound of a ruler’s representation of the underworld "Iron Nia" (from Ukrainian mythology) and the Ukrainian word "vii" - eyelids. Hence - the long eyelids of Gogol's character.
However, this story is known for its proximity to folk traditions, which is evident in its artistic atmosphere and its overall concept. The forces opposing the people, step forward as witches, and devils. They hate everything human and are willing to kill a man with the same spiteful determination the girl-witch wants to kill Khoma.
The whole fantastic story of the young lady witch is lit with Gogol's irony and humor. The social problems of the story seem to be muted. Nevertheless, it’s discerned. Khoma Brut and his friends live surrounded by evil, heartless people. Everywhere Khoma is in danger and deprivation. A terrible image of Viy becomes like a poetic generalization of the lying, cruel world.
"Viy" is a short story written by Nikolai Gogol and first published in 1835. The story is set in pre-modern Russia and follows the journey of a young seminary student sent to a remote village to perform the funeral of a young woman who died suddenly.
The story is a blend of fantasy, horror, and folklore, and it is considered one of the classics of Russian horror literature. Gogol used the traditional elements of Slavic folklore such as witches, demons, and the undead, to create a terrifying and haunting story. The story also explores the themes of faith, superstition, and the power of the unknown.
The protagonist, the seminary student, starts to suspect that the girl is not dead but cursed by a witch, and he starts to experience strange and terrifying visions. The story builds up to a climax in which the protagonist confronts the evil witch and her minions in a nightmarish dream sequence.
The story is also notable for its use of vivid and descriptive language, which creates a sense of atmosphere and tension. Gogol's writing style is characterized by its use of grotesque and supernatural elements, which are used to create a sense of unease and horror.
Overall, "Viy" is a classic of Russian literature that continues to be widely read and studied. It is a masterful blend of fantasy, horror, and folklore, that explores the themes of faith, superstition, and the power of the unknown.
