Imagology of perceptions of women with supernatural possibility in the population of Transcarpathia

Abstract

The article reveals the remnants of ancient ideas about women with supernatural powers in Transcarpathia. The functions of the above-mentioned creatures in modern folklore narratives are considered. The question of their exotic names’ origin is raised. The authors admit a correlation between some nominations and nomen functions, determined by natural and economic features. In particular, it is noted that the population of Transcarpathia has no idea about the transformation of a witch into a toad. The name «witch» and its cognate are more typical of Lemkos ethnic group. The Boykos and the Hutsuls often use the name «bosorkan’a» and its cognates. The Magyars, who live in Hungary, use the same definition to mythological images of people with supernatural powers. Romanian names are less common. The etymology of all foreign language nominations in the Ukrainian scientific sphere has not been established. The «activity» of witches is associated with the milk stealing from other people’s cows, so mainly female neighbors play this role. Bosorkan’as are endowed with a certain esotericism, so they are more often present in the process of various metamorphoses. Almost nothing is known about their actions.