Baba Yaga
In short: A figure in Russian tales known for her forest dwelling and difficult tasks.
Character
How does it work in the tale?
Vasilisa goes to her house to ask for fire. The tasks Baba Yaga sets reveal how the doll Vasilisa carries can help her.
What does Baba Yaga give Vasilisa?
In Ralston’s telling, Baba Yaga takes a glowing skull from the fence, puts it on a stick and gives it to Vasilisa. Finding the fire she was sent for ends the encounter in the forest. The same light sets a new event in motion when she returns home. Following the gift through both scenes makes Baba Yaga’s role clearer.