Viy by Nikolai Gogol (1835): A Review

Get ready for a delightfully spooky adventure with Nikolai Gogol's "Viy," a short story that skillfully walks the line between humor and horror. Suppose you're on the lookout for something that dances around the spooky talent of Hoffmann and almost reaches the psychological depths of Poe. In that case, this is the story for you!

Our protagonist, Khoma Brut, a philosophy student with questionable luck, inadvertently kills a witch—a real oversight, if you ask me. What he doesn't realize is that this little mishap throws him right into a swirl of chaos orchestrated by a Cossack chief, who summons Khoma to fulfil a peculiar request from his dearly (almost) departed daughter. Her final wish is that he prays for her—both on her deathbed and after her death—and which father can refuse his beloved daughter's wish on her deathbed. Quite an unusual choice, as you'd think a theology student would be the best choice.

Naturally, Khoma isn't jumping at the chance to take on this strange task. But when a Cossack chief calls, and you are just a student, you don't really have the luxury of saying no to your rector or the chief. And as Khoma soon discovers, the beloved daughter isn't your average girl; she's got a bit of (literally) witchy vengeance up her sleeve—how thrilling!

Each night, Khoma is escorted to a gloomy church that feels like something straight out of a horror film (or the other way around if we're being picky with timelines). He's expected to stay inside a protective circle and recite some special prayers to keep the supernatural forces at bay. But then enters Viy, a being with eyelids so long that they need iron props to keep them up. Yup, this is the kind of nightmarish creature Gogol conjures, one whose gaze can freeze you in place, or does it?

Khoma Brut is a fascinating study in fear. He swings between bravado and sheer panic, showing that relatable side of us when facing the impossible. Gogol skillfully fuses folklore with realism, crafting a universe where the supernatural feels alarmingly real. His writing bursts with vivid imagery and dark irony, creating a chilling yet captivating atmosphere.

As I turned the pages, I found myself entranced by the mixture of suspense, horror, and just a pinch of absurdity that kept me engaged. It's a bit of a long short story, but definitely worth the read—just maybe not right before bed! Trust me, save it for a night when you're in the mood for a dash of the bizarre mixed with a healthy dose of goosebumps!