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Slavic mythological figures [6/?]
↳ Koschei, Koščej

A figure from Slavic folklore, Koschei (Russian: Коще́й, also Kashchei or Kashchey; Ukrainian: Костій,Kostiy; Polish: Kościej; Czech: Kostěj)  the Deathless was known for his titular characteristic: his inability to die. What is most interesting about this figure, however, is that his immortality was not foolproof. It was said that when Koschei cast the magical spell to protect and defend himself, he accidentally left room for error.He preferred to kidnap his female victims in the form of a whirlwind tornado. 

The most important aspect of this mythical being, however, was his absolute terror of death. This fear left him open to making mistakes, and his most fatal mistake was the imperfect spell he cast to protect himself from harm.Koschei maintained his life and immortality through the removal of his soul.  Taking it from his body, it was said he hid it in a needle, inside an egg, in a duck, in a rabbit, then locked it in an iron or crystal chest, and buried it under a green oak on an island.Koschei the Deathless further safeguarded his soul by ensuring his animal vessels, or seals, could get away.

Legend has it that if the chest was ever dug up and opened, the duck would try to flee.  If the duck was killed, the rabbit would try to run.It is only once his opponent reached the egg that Koschei’s life was truly endangered. The egg contained the needle which held the heart of his power.  According to myth, possession of the egg was enough to gain control of the demon.  Furthermore, should the egg break, the needle within it would break as well, forcing hundreds of years of age down upon Koschei