Yaga

Necromancer, Summoner, Sorceress

Titles
Bone Witch

Keeper of the Veil

Representation
Witches, sorceresses, wise women, and the like are found throughout most cultures around the world. Yaga represents a small facet of those women who practiced the dark and oft-taboo sorceries affiliated with bones, death, living sacrifice, and necromancy.

Culture
The use and/or fear of this kind of magic is borne of many peoples across the globe, rather than specifically one culture. These practices are only one part of being a sorceress that is nearly universal. However, Yaga does lean heavily on Slavic and Proto-Slavic themes. The name “Yaga” is from one of the most famous witches of all time, Baba Yaga, which means “Grandmother Witch.” While “Yaga” or, in Russian, “Яга” doesn’t mean ‘witch’ in the contemporary language, it’s believed that it came from the old Russian verb “yagat”, which means ‘to abuse’ or ‘to find fault.’ The most iconic piece of Yaga’s garb, her covered eyes, is from the Northern European Bronze age. Her blackened hands, as if by fire or ash, are to represent the practice of pyro-osteomancy, most notably done by the Celts, the Chinese, and the early Americans. She lives (camps) at the edge of the woods surrounded by her precious bones.

Persona
Much of Yaga’s persona comes from the idea of the wise women found in many cultures, including and especially Baba Yaga herself. She isn’t good, but neither is she evil. Seeking her aid may be seen as a dangerous act, but she always fulfills her end of the bargain. It is important to be polite above all things, especially if you disagree with her. Her patience is long, but so is her memory. This is the dichotomy of witches across the world. They are both persecuted and sought after for their power.