Alkonost

Alkonost is the name of a legendary figure of the Russian folk belief. These are birds that have the face of a beautiful woman.

Features

Alkonost comes as a name from Greek mythology, derived from Alcyone. Alcyone was transformed by the gods into a kingfisher.

The creatures reproduce by laying eggs. You should place them on the seashore, and then roll it into the water. Thereupon the sea calms for six or seven days and is whirled through a storm, when the young hatch.

The Alkonosty are the magic bird of happiness and hope. This contrasts with the Sirin, the birds of sorrow and grief. The Alkonosty are the people well disposed, the Sirin, however less.

Interpretation

For the Russian Orthodox Church, the Alkonost is the personification of the divine will. She lives in paradise and leaves it only to deliver messages in our world. Her voice lets everyone who hears it, forget everything around him.

Gallery

Another Alkonost

Alkonost (postcard from 1908 )