Su Anasi: The Water Mother
Su Anasi ('Mother of Water') is the Tatar water spirit, analogous to the Russian rusalka but with distinct Tatar characteristics. Long-haired and beautiful, she lives in rivers and lakes, with a golden comb that she uses to brush her hair while sitting on riverbanks. The most famous version, retold by poet Gabdulla Tukay, describes a village boy who finds Su Anasi's golden comb by the river and runs away with it. The water mother chases him all the way to the village until the village dogs drive her away. That night, she comes to his window, tapping and demanding her comb back. The boy's mothe