Gypsy Tales

Nikolay Koon (1877–1940) is a writer and historian, author of popular books such as “Legends and Myths of Ancient Greece,” and “Tales of the Peoples of Africa.” “Gypsy Tales” were first republished starting in 1922. The collection immerses readers in an exciting Gypsy folklore, where on the tops of mountains live beautiful keshaliyas—daughters of the king of mists—and captivate passing travelers with their gaze.

There live also golden-haired urms—magic fairies: by day they dance and play in their palaces, and at night they descend from the mountains to determine the fate of newborns. At the bottom of deep rivers lurk evil nivashi—water spirits with fiery-red hair, a long beard, and horse hooves.