Vila
The Vila, or Willi or Veela, are the Slavic versions of nymphs, who have power over storms, which they delight in sending down on lonely travelers. They are known to live in meadows, ponds, oceans, trees, and clouds (see Leimoniads, Limnades, Oceanids, Dryads and Nephelads). They can appear as swans, horses, wolves, or, of course, beautiful women. Slovak myth tells us that they are the souls of deceased girls who where not baptized during Vladimir's baptisms, and, in fact, the Slavic word for soul is vile.
|
