The Legend of the Birch Tree
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The Legend of the Birch TreeAccording to one legend, rusalkas were forbidden to show themselves near lakes during the day. The moment the sun's first rays broke through at dawn, they had to retreat to their homes. But one day, a young rusalka failed to hide in time. She saw Khors, the god of the sun, and fell in love with him. He, too, was not indifferent to her — the rusalka's beauty drew him in, and he reached toward her with his rays. At first, his touch felt warm and comforting to the rusalka, but soon it began to burn her. Frightened, she tried to flee, but Khors would not let the beauty go. And so the rusalka transformed into a birch tree. Her green hair became leaves, and her delicate skin turned into white bark. Here and there, that bark still bears scorched marks — the traces of the sun god's kisses, left behind on the rusalka by his burning rays.
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