inkyami:Vujalka (pl. vujalki) (belarus. вужалкі, der. from вуж (rus. уж) — “natrix/grass snake”) — s
inkyami:Vujalka (pl. vujalki) (belarus. вужалкі, der. from вуж (rus. уж) — “natrix/grass snake”) — snake-women and daughters of the Serpent King (aka The Great Coluber aka Natrix King) in belarus folklore. According to the lore, vujalki preferred living nearby water in the forests.They are traditionally described as young long-haired women with snake tails instead of legs, with their heads and necks richly decorated with necklaces and earrings of pure gold. It is said that the jewelry was so rich and bright, that it could shine just like the sun (It can be seen as an allegory to the infinite riches of the serpents according to slavic mythology, and parallel with yellow spots on the head of the grass snake). It was believed that anyone, who pick up the jewel lost by vujalka, would gain great luck and protection from snake bites.Vujalki are also believed to be able to shapeshift — either into a grass snake, or a human girl (they could be spotted, however, by their large golden earrings)The image of serpents (mostly grass snake or coluber) carries a much more positive spin in west slavic and south slavic culture, which, perhaps, could explain the fact that vujalki, according to belief, were absolutely harmless to humans. It is worth noting, however, that they are constantly accompanied by a large suite of snakes, some of which are, of course, venomous. Besides, anyone who hurt or offend vujalka, is promised many misfortunes and dangers. -- source link