Bolotnitsa

This illustration is part of the "Dark Slavic Legends"-collaboration. Full size and other works can be viewed at Behance.

Bolotnitsa (rus. boloto - swamp) is the mistress of the swamp and tundra. It was believed that a girl, who had died in a swamp could turn into the bolotnitsa. She is a beautiful young girl with pale-white skin and goose legs instead of normal legs. To hide them, bolotnitsa would sit on a giant water lily, putting her legs under her. She would lure people into the swamp with a weep for a help, pretending that she is drowning. If they were charmed by her beauty, people would get close to her. She would then pounce on them and slowly pull them to the bottom of the swamp.

Thanks to @dyavlnchk for help with shadows and @shadovv_cat for organizing.