It so happened that Nikolai Gogol is more famous precisely because of one of his strangest and most controversial works - the novel “Viy”. It can hardly be called the most successful example of the writer's work, but every second one, without hesitation, will give the correct answer to the question: “What did Viy ask to raise?” And this proves, if not the extreme popularity of the work, then at least the recognition of one of his characters.
Summary
The story tells about the adventures of Bursak Homa Brut, who has experienced real horror. Once faced with evil spirits, Homa can no longer be saved. After a long but unequal struggle, the demonic creatures still take his soul. In this adventure, the reader can be frightened by a lot, in particular, just what Viy asked to raise. Using modern terminology, the story can be called a classic thriller - the author gradually heats up the atmosphere, showing the most incomprehensible nightmares at the end of the work.
Who is Viy?
In the epigraph to his story, Nikolai Gogol tells the reader that Viy is the leader of the gnomes, whose eyelids are so huge that they go down to the ground. When creating this character, the writer relied solely on folk traditions, adding almost nothing from himself. In the novel, Viy is described as a strange creature with an iron face whom evil spirits call for to solve especially serious problems. The phrase that Viy asked to raise has become winged and is used in a variety of contexts. For example, to hear the phrase “Raise my eyelids” said in an infernal voice in a dark room would hardly be pleasant even to those who are not familiar with Gogol’s work. The impression of the story is strengthened even more if you know the mystical stories about the writer's grave associated with a disappeared skull and a scratched coffin lid. There is a suspicion that Gogol himself was somehow connected with evil spirits. Perhaps Gogol received ideas for his works under a contract with a demon.
Should I read the story of Vie before going to bed?
Despite the archaic language and the abundance of stylistic means, the story is read in one breath. What Viy asked to raise will not fall by itself when reading the reader - everything happens quite the opposite. Detailed descriptions of the attacks of evil spirits on the hero, the disgusting appearance of a dead witch a few days ago and the terrifying rites described in the book will leave few indifferent. It will not be easy for the modern reader to adapt to the peculiar language of Nikolai Gogol, but it more than pays off due to the imagery of the work. Even if the story does not scare too much the sophisticated lovers of Edgar Allan Poe, Howard Lovecraft or Stephen King, it will still leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Simply put, the question of what Viy asked to raise is not worth looking for on the Internet. And asking friends and acquaintances is also not the best option. It is better to read the novel “Viy” on your own and scare your acquaintances with suspicious awareness of gnomes and witches from an authentic Russian point of view.