In Slavic mythology, a rusalka is a female ghost, water nymph, succubus, or mermaid-like demon that dwelt in a waterway. According to most traditions, the rusalki were fish-women, who lived at the bottom of rivers. In the middle of the night, they would w

In Slavic mythology, a rusalka is a female ghost, water nymph, succubus, or mermaid-like demon that dwelt in a waterway. According to most traditions, the rusalki were fish-women, who lived at the bottom of rivers. In the middle of the night, they would w Stock Photo
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Science History Images / Alamy Stock Photo

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G16APB

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31.5 MB (1.5 MB Compressed download)

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2850 x 3865 px | 24.1 x 32.7 cm | 9.5 x 12.9 inches | 300dpi

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Photo Researchers

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This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.

In Slavic mythology, a rusalka is a female ghost, water nymph, succubus, or mermaid-like demon that dwelt in a waterway. According to most traditions, the rusalki were fish-women, who lived at the bottom of rivers. In the middle of the night, they would walk out to the bank and dance in meadows. If they saw handsome men, they would fascinate them with songs and dancing, mesmerize them, then lead them away to the river floor to their death. Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin (August 16, 1876 - February 7, 1942) was a Russian illustrator and stage designer who was inspired by Slavic folklore. He gained renown in 1899, when he released his illustrations of Russian fairy tales. He died in 1942 during the Siege of Leningrad at the age of 65.