Fern Flower
Published on January 6, 2023

Younik

  • Younik
  • Asset Manager
  • Osetnik

Regions of expansion

Belarus 1
Belarus

Description

A positive character of Belarusian mythology. Eunik lives in Ovin (belor. evnya, eynya, asets) — a shed in the manor yard, where sheaves used to be dried in the village before threshing. In the village, houses were built with a bathhouse, and ovin was often combined with it.

Its function is to maintain a fire in the drying oven of the sheep, so that the sheaves and grain dry well after harvesting and as a result, the grain is well threshed and stored in winter.

Eunice is described as a mythological creature, black with soot and smoke, and the creature's eyes burn like embers, although it is also believed that it is impossible to see him.

The creature is not afraid of fire, since it does not burn in the fire itself. However, Eunice can burn in the fire from lightning. Chaff dust easily perceives the flame, and the Eunice burns without leaving a speck of dust behind. If this happens, then no other Eunice will settle in such an ovin.

Younik in popular culture