Dudari (the Frogs) — Creatures of Ukrainian Mythology
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DudariDudari, or the Frogs, are creatures of Ukrainian mythology. They mean no harm to anyone and live in bodies of water, playing the pipe in the evenings. Their music brings good sleep and rest.
Long ago, a man and a woman lived together. The woman was hardworking and kept the whole household running. The man, however, turned out to be utterly lazy — he did nothing but sleep, eat, and play the pipe. One day the woman went to the market to sell her goods, and he tagged along. She sold everything and bought some supplies, but meanwhile the man got drunk and lay down to sleep. She tried and tried to wake him, but he wouldn't get up, and told her to carry him home. The woman dragged everything herself, and while wading across a river, she grew completely exhausted and nearly lost consciousness. She began to pray to Mokosh for help. The goddess, protector of women, appeared at once, threw the man into the water, and turned him into an animal with a large belly. This is how the Dudari, or Frogs, came to be.
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