DISCOVER UKRAINE

Still from the Ukrainian film “The Witch: Revenge” (2024). Join DAWN for a charity screening of this film in Portland – Sunday, May 4, 7:30 PM.

In traditional Ukrainian culture, vidmy (witches) were seen as powerful women with deep knowledge of herbs, healing, and spiritual rituals. They were both respected and feared, embodying the duality of nature: capable of protecting communities – or bringing misfortune.

Konotop, a city in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, has long been associated with witchcraft in local legends. In the 1600s, it was a fortified Cossack stronghold within the autonomous Ukrainian Cossack state – the era when modern Ukrainian political identity really began to crystallize. ¹

The legend of the Konotopska Vidma (“Witch of Konotop”) grew out of this world. It was most famously popularized in an 1833 satirical novella of the same name.

Set in 17th-century Konotop, the story follows a Cossack commander named Mykyta as he spirals into misadventures involving love, superstition, and witchcraft. Mykyta falls for a beautiful young woman named Olena and proposes marriage – but she loves someone else and rejects him. Mykyta’s assistant, Pistryak, schemes to sabotage Olena’s beloved by framing him for crimes he didn’t commit. Then, in a twist that echoes modern day, Mykyta is ordered to join a military campaign against an invasion of Tsarist russia.  ²

Just when that occurs, a severe drought devastates Konotop. Grasping for an explanation, Mykyta refuses to go and fight; instead, he launches a witch hunt, as he suspects a witch is to blame for all of his, and Konotop’s, misfortune. Several innocent women are drowned – but the true witch survives. Furious, she uses her powers to twist the fates of those responsible. What follows are absurd, painfully human moments; exposing the corruption, foolishness, and cruelty of those in power. The larger threat looming over it all, is the Ukrainian Cossack’s neighbor to the east – the imperialist powers in russia.

During the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, video went viral of a woman cursing a Russian soldier atop a tank: “Don’t you know where you are? You’re in Konotop. Every other woman here is a witch.” ⁽⁵⁾

The brave residents of Konotop stood in front of a Russian tank column and reminded the invaders exactly who they were dealing with.

The tale of Konotopska Vidma captures themes which resonate deeply with Ukrainian history and contemporary society, such as justice, the enduring strength and resilience of women, and the dangers of unchecked authority, making it as relevant today as it was centuries ago.