Also called Dvorovoi, Dvorovik.
Their story
The dvorovoy was a relative of the domovoi who looked after the yard and animals. He liked some beasts and disliked others, and was said to dislike white animals in particular. If he loved a horse he would plait its mane and feed it; if not, it would be found sweating and exhausted in the morning. Households left bread for him and sometimes a shiny object or ribbon.
Best times to give to them
- when bringing a new animal home
- Koliada
- spring turning-out of cattle
What they like being given
- bread left in the stable
- a little hay or grain
- a bright ribbon or scrap of cloth
How to honour them
- Greet your garden or yard when you step out, and keep it tidy.
- Welcome new pets properly, introducing them to the house and yard.
How they can help you
- caring for animals
- a peaceful yard
- settling new pets
Symbols
- a small shaggy man
- hay
- a horse's mane plaited at night
Sources
- Linda J. Ivanits, Russian Folk Belief
- S. V. Maksimov, Nechistaia, nevedomaia i krestnaia sila (1903)