Baba Yaga is most commonly known for her role as a villain. She is often portrayed as a old hag who “flies around using a mortar and pestle” (Baba Yaga in Popular Culture.), kidnapping and eating young children. When taking the role of the villain, Baba Yaga often provides an impossible task for the hero to complete. Failure to complete the task will ultimately result in death for the hero. The hero must be clever or use magical assistance to complete the tasks set forth by Baba Yaga and escape. Villain Baba Yaga is often used as a scare tactic for children growing up in Slavic culture. Parents threaten their children with a visit from Baba Yaga should they not do as they are told (Yegorov). Her monstrous demeanor when taking the role of the villain is enough to keep young children in line.
Baba Yaga as a Donor
Baba Yaga sometimes acts as a donor in some Slavic folktales. As a donor, Baba Yaga assists the hero to their victory in someway. This can be through offering advice and wisdom or granting access to a magical tool. In some cases, characters will seek out Baba Yaga for “her wisdom or having her offer guidance to lost souls” (Forrester, Sibelan E. S., et al.). Baba Yaga, in the role of a donor, can be gentle and kind rather than ferocious and cruel. Some tales even depict Baba Yaga as having two older sisters, who are ironically named Baba Yaga as well. The sisters will work together to offer assistance to the heroes in need, often directing them to the next sister for guidance.