It was believed that only happy people could hear a sirin. Sirins began to be seen as symbols of peace and harmony in the world. To scare them off, people would resort to making loud noises such as ringing bells and firing cannons.įrom the 17th to18th century, a change of thinking occurred. Those who heard it were said to forget their earthly life and follow the sirins wherever they went, often dying in the process. They were also believed to sing to the saints, but it was dangerous for ordinary mortals to hear their song. It was also the place where spring on earth had its origins. Vyraj in Slavic folklore was the place birds migrated to in winter and souls went to after death, before returning to earth as birds. Sirin were believed to live either in Vyraj, or somewhere along the banks of the Euphrates River. They were often associated with the alkonost, but believed to have their origins in Greek myths concerning sirens. In Russian legends, sirins had the top half of a woman, an owl-like body and were often depicted wearing a crown or halo. While the alkonost was believed to promise the saints eternal life in paradise, the sirin was seen as a bringer of death. The alkonost became seen as being good, while the sirin was given a darker persona similar to sirens in Greek mythology. Over time this changed and they appeared together as alter egos of each other. Russians carved their likeness on doorways and entrances in their home for good luck. The alkonost guarded good fortune in the day while the sirin protected it through the night. They were once both considered to be birds of good fortune and regarded as protective spirits. The alkonost had a companion bird called the sirin. In Christian times, the home of the alkonost became the Garden of Eden, while she became God’s messenger to the saints, singing them wonderful songs to inspire and encourage them. Their hatching causes the sea to become rough while a thunderstorm manifests and they are considered to be wind spirits. The alkonost lays her eggs on the gently sloping seashore and moves them into the sea to hatch. Similar to a bird of paradise in appearance, it was considered to be a wind spirit, able to summon up storms. Those who heard its song let go of everything they had ever known, desiring nothing more as long as they lived.īefore Christian influence, the alkonost was believed to live on the magical island of Buyan. It could sing the most enchanting melodies. In Russian legends, the alkonost was a creature with the head of a woman and the body of a bird. Each were attributed their own magical qualities and roles by various human societies in history and presented here is a brief description of these five fabled creatures. The alkonost, the sirin, the caladrius, the roc and the phoenix are all five mythical birds from legend and folklore.
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