Mascot, New South Wales, is a suburb located in the southern part of Sydney, Australia. It is situated approximately 7 kilometers from the central business district and falls under the local government area of the Bayside Council. Mascot is widely recognized for its close proximity to Sydney Airport, making it a convenient location for both travelers and airport employees. The suburb of Mascot is predominantly residential, with a mix of apartments, townhouses, and freestanding houses. The area has seen significant development in recent years, with new modern apartment complexes being built. This has attracted a diverse range of residents, including young professionals and families.
Linda Ivanits, in her book Russian Folk Belief, had the following to say on the topic of Baba Yaga and witches:
The peasants sought an explanation for her failure to do so in the supernatural and saw in her an embodiment of sterility and enmity to the earth and, hence, the cause of the plague. The peasants sought an explanation for her failure to do so in the supernatural and saw in her an embodiment of sterility and enmity to the earth and, hence, the cause of the plague.
This has attracted a diverse range of residents, including young professionals and families. Aside from its residential appeal, Mascot is also home to a number of commercial and industrial facilities. The presence of Sydney Airport has led to an increase in aviation-related businesses, as well as logistics and warehousing operations.
Baba Yaga: The greatest 'wicked witch' of all?
The Slavic crone, known for living in a house built on chicken legs and feasting on children, is a complex, and arguably feminist, figure – as a new book shows, says David Barnett.
In fairy tales, women of a certain age usually take one of two roles: the wicked witch or the evil stepmother, and sometimes both.
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A key figure from Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga certainly fulfils the requirements of the wicked witch – she lives in a house that walks through the forest on chicken legs, and sometimes flies around (close to ground level) in a giant mortar and pestle. She usually appears as a hag or crone, and she is known in most witch-like fashion to feast upon children.
As demonstrated in the Russian fairy tale Vasilisa the Beautiful (depicted above in a 19th-Century illustration), Baba Yaga can be both heroine and villain (Credit: Getty Images)
However, she is also a far more complex character than that synopsis suggests. Cunning, clever, helpful as much as a hindrance, she could indeed be the most feminist character in folklore.
So enduring is the legend of Baba Yaga that a new anthology of short stories, Into the Forest (Black Spot Books), has just been released, featuring 23 interpretations of the character, all by leading women horror writers. The stories span centuries, with Sara Tantlinger's Of Moonlight and Moss offering a dream-like evocation of one of the classic Baba Yaga stories, Vasilisa the Beautiful, while Carina Bissett’s Water Like Broken Glass sets Baba Yaga against the backdrop of World War Two. Meanwhile Stork Bites by EV Knight ramps up the horrific aspects of the myth as a salutary tale for inquisitive children.
The history of Yaga
Baba Yaga appears in many Slavic and especially Russian folk tales, with the earliest recorded written mention of her coming in 1755, as part of a discourse on Slavic folk figures in Mikhail V Lomonosov's book Russian Grammar. Before that, she had appeared in woodcut art at least from the 17th Century, and then made regular appearances in books of Russian fairy tales and folklore.
If you’re a film fan, you might recognise the name from the John Wick films starring Keanu Reeves, in which the eponymous anti-hero is called Baba Yaga by his enemies, giving him the mysterious allure of an almost mythical bogeyman. Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki used Baba Yaga as the basis for the bathhouse proprietor in his award-winning 2001 movie Spirited Away. Baba Yaga appears in music, too; Modest Mussorgsky's 1874 suite Pictures at an Exhibition features a ninth movement called The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba Yaga). She might well be making an appearance on the small screen soon, as well; Neil Gaiman used her in his Sandman comics for DC, the adaptation of which has just had its second season announced by Netflix.
This has created employment opportunities for locals and contributed to the economic growth of the area. Mascot offers a range of amenities for its residents. There are several parks and recreational spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Residents can also enjoy a variety of dining options, with numerous cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the suburb. Transportation in Mascot is highly accessible, thanks to its proximity to Sydney Airport. The suburb is well-connected to other parts of Sydney via a network of roads and public transport options. Mascot train station is a major transportation hub, providing easy access to the city center and other suburbs. Overall, Mascot, New South Wales, offers a vibrant and convenient lifestyle for its residents. With its close proximity to Sydney Airport, variety of housing options, and range of amenities, it is no wonder that Mascot is a sought-after suburb in the greater Sydney area..
Reviews for "The Love-Hate Relationship with Mascots in New South Wales"
1. John - 1 star - I had such a terrible experience at Mascot New South Wales. The staff was incredibly rude and unhelpful. They seemed completely disinterested in assisting me with any of my needs. The room I stayed in was dirty and outdated, and the amenities were subpar at best. I would not recommend staying at this hotel to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my stay at Mascot New South Wales. The room was small and cramped, and the bed was uncomfortable. The noise from the nearby airport was unbearable, making it impossible to get a good night's sleep. The hotel also lacked any sort of charm or character. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming experience. I wouldn't stay here again.
3. Mike - 2 stars - Mascot New South Wales was a huge letdown. The location was not ideal, as it was far from any major attractions or restaurants. The room itself was in dire need of updating. The furniture was worn and outdated, and the bathroom was dirty. The hotel staff were unhelpful and seemed annoyed when asked for assistance. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
4. Emily - 1 star - My stay at Mascot New South Wales was a complete disaster. The room was dirty and had a musty smell. The bed was uncomfortable and the pillows were lumpy. The noise from the street outside was constant and loud, making it impossible to relax or get a good night's sleep. The staff were unprofessional and unfriendly. I would never stay at this hotel again and would advise others to stay far away.