As John Wick: Chapter 4 hits theatres across the globe, many fans are curious to know more about the origins of the nickname ‘Baba Yaga’, from its meaning in the films to its real-life origins.
Once again reprising his role as the killer action hero John Wick, Keanu Reeves returns in John Wick: Chapter 4, fighting tooth and nail for his freedom.
Chapter 1 kicked off when John Wick’s beloved pet dog Daisy is killed. This forces the assassin out of retirement, seeking revenge on those who wronged his pet. Three installments later and the skilled assassin is still on his rampage, this time with even higher stakes.
Serving as a sequel to the 2019 entry in the franchise John Wick: Chapter 3, the new film sees the return of the deadly assassin as he faces off against a range of powerful new foes.
An infamous man known throughout the criminal underworld, John Wick’s reputation is something each film in the franchise has established.
Who is Baba Yaga in John Wick: Chapter 4?
John Wick.
Baba Yaga is the nickname given to John by the Russian criminal underworld. The deadly assassin has an even deadlier reputation. One that is propelled by the trial of bodies he leaves behind him.
The nickname is given to the assassin in the first John Wick movies and has been the main point of reference for all the bad guys featured in the entire franchise.
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In the film franchise, Baba Yaga is said to mean “boogeyman”, with the skilled assassin almost taking on a mythical-like existence, striking fear into all those he comes up against.
However, the actual meaning of Baba Yaga is much different from what is established in the John Wick franchise.
Baba Yaga meaning
The origin of Baba Yaga dates back to Slavic folklore. Although the meaning of the name does not translate to the “Russian boogeyman”, the lore surrounding the mythical creature is just as sinister.
The term Baba Yaga roughly translates to “Grandmother Witch” in English.
In Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga is a threatening creature, often described as a witch or female ogre, who inhabits a creepy home. The witch lures victims (often young children) to her home, cooks, and eats them. It’s not hard to see how much of an impact this folklore tale has had, as Baba Yaga shares huge similarities with the classic story of Hansel and Gretel. The child-eating creature is thought to have either helped or hindered those who came across her.
Whilst this is rather different from the deadly assassin John Wick, both of them have an intensely high body count and can appear at a moment’s notice anywhere, to wreak havoc on all those who have wronged them.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is in theaters from Friday, March 24th 2023.
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