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Russian Fairy Tales

Berehynia

The Berehynia is both a water fairy/goddess and a hearth mother, a protector of the home. As I have argued it seems likely that the Rusalka, nymphs and similar water spirits are remnants of Europe’s oldest spirits. Further such beings are civilizing beings and so well at times take on the role of hearth spirit. Others have argued that the Berehynia is a remnant of the Scythian Earth Goddess. I would however point out that the Scythians most important deity was Tabiti who Greek historians equated to Hestia the goddess of the hearth and agriculture, not Gaia the Earth Mother. 
I would equate Berehynia to the Rusalka, Vila and Nymphs as a water fairy/goddess which brings life and protects the home and family.