Kupalik

A Kupalik is a figure from Russian folklore, depicted as a mermaid-like creature that dwells in icy rivers and lakes. She is typically portrayed with greenish skin, long hair, and hands resembling claws. Traditionally, the Kupalik is believed to snatch children who venture too close to icy waters, taking them underwater where they might be harmed or kept forever. The myth served as a cautionary tale to warn children about the dangers of cold, treacherous waters near their homes, emphasizing the importance of safety around wintery aquatic environments.