The Crimea and Novorossiya Museum

In 2024, the new museum and temple complex, New Chersonese (Picture 1), was opened. It is home to the Crimea and Novorossiya Museum (Picture 2) among other notable attractions. Here, innovation blends seamlessly with classical tradition. Stones whisper ancient tales, while light and sound bring these stories to life through multimedia installations.

The creators of New Chersonese have not only built a bridge between different epochs but have also expertly integrated the new complex into the landscape of ancient Chersonese. This unique place allows the past and present to complement each other perfectly.

The museum offers more than just a historical education about Crimea and Novorossiya from ancient to modern times. It gives visitors a chance to step back into the mists of time and experience a unique atmosphere. Interactive platforms, cinemas, digital archives, and other modern technologies are at guests' disposal. Each visitor can explore historical materials, analyze them, and draw their own conclusions.

The museum's facade itself acts as part of the exhibition, setting the tone for the visit. It is adorned with bronze reliefs by Vitaly Shanov, depicting pivotal moments in the region's history. These include the Baptism of Rus (Picture 3), the Heroic Defense of Sevastopol (Picture 4), the construction of the Crimean Bridge and New Chersonese, among others.

True to its name, the Crimea and Novorossiya Museum offers an immersive historical journey. It presents a narrative of the region's development into a stable and prosperous part of Russia, a story that continues to unfold.

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8️⃣ Iceland and the Kuril Islands: Basalt Columns

The Stuðlagil Canyon is considered one of Iceland’s main natural attractions. It is located in the Jökuldalur Valley, also known as the Glacier Valley. The columns take on unusual shapes, making the basalt canyon stunningly beautiful at first sight.

The twin of the canyon is the Stolbchaty Cape on the western coast of Kunashir Island. Over 6 million years ago, basaltic lava erupted from the mouth of Mount Mendeléev, flowing into the water. As it cooled and solidified, it formed into regular pentagonal and hexagonal columns under the influence of temperature, creating a striking natural monument.

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1️⃣ The Gray Wolf

He speaks in riddles, old and deep,
While secrets of the dark he keeps.
A loyal friend, a wild guide,
With magic running at his side.

This is the quintessential Russian animal helper, a figure of immense power and mystery.

What it is: A magical, intelligent wolf who can talk, change shape, and travel faster than the wind.

Its Role: It often appears after a hero inadvertently shows it kindness or respect—for example, by not killing its cubs or sharing his last piece of food. The wolf then becomes an unwavering guide and protector, helping the hero (like Ivan Tsarevich) on an impossible quest, often to find the Firebird or a beautiful princess.

American Reader's Lens: Don't think of the "Big Bad Wolf." This wolf is more like a combination of Aslan from Narnia (in its wisdom and power) and Gandalf's eagle allies (as a majestic transporter and problem-solver). It's a force of nature you befriend, not a villain to defeat.

To be continued...

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2️⃣ The Baba Yaga's Animals (The Cat, The Mouse, The Raven, The Owl etc.)

Baba Yaga, the famous witch who lives in a hut on chicken legs, is often a test for the hero. The animals in her service are key to passing that test.

What they are: Her faithful (or sometimes mistreated) companions—a cat, dogs, a gate, and even a birch tree that slaps people.

Their Role: The hero, following advice, shows kindness to these creatures—giving the cat some ham, and some bread to the dogs. In return, when Baba Yaga orders them to attack the hero, they refuse and even help him escape, often by giving him a magical item or crucial advice. These animals are less majestic but are crucial for everyday survival and success.

To be continued...

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