Tradition / Region: Yakut (Sakha) beliefs, northeastern Siberia (Russia)
Category: Spirit masters / animistic spirits
The Myth
In traditional Yakut belief, ichchi are spirit masters that inhabit objects, places, and natural phenomena. According to this worldview, nature is alive in all its parts, and every thing—large or small—possesses its own indwelling spirit. Mountains, trees, rivers, lakes, fire, tools, dwellings, and even the most ordinary household objects were believed to have an ichchi.
Ichchi could dwell in prominent features of the landscape, such as forests or bodies of water, acting as guardians or owners of those places. At the same time, they could also inhabit humble or easily overlooked things, such as the firebox used in the hearth or tools used in daily work. Because of this, people were expected to treat both nature and objects with care and respect.
When approached properly, an ichchi could become a patron spirit to a person or household, offering protection, good fortune, and harmony. Disrespect, neglect, or improper behavior toward the object or place inhabited by an ichchi could provoke misfortune, illness, or bad luck.
Communication with ichchi took the form of prayers called algys, which were spoken to honor or appease the spirits. Offerings were an essential part of this relationship. These could include horsehair ornaments, scraps of cloth known as salama, non-animal foods, kumiss (fermented mare’s milk), or money. The offerings acknowledged the spirit’s presence and authority.
Ichchi are distinct from other spiritual beings in Yakut cosmology. They are not the high benevolent deities known as Aiyy, nor are they the malevolent spirits such as Abaahy or Uor. Instead, ichchi occupy a middle position as ever-present spirit owners of the world itself.
Similar beliefs in spirit masters exist among neighboring peoples. Other Turkic-speaking groups refer to such spirits as eye or ezi, the Buryats call them ezhins, and the Mongols know them as edzens, reflecting a shared animistic understanding across Inner Asia.
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
Philosophical Readings
Psychological Readings
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive