Pronunciation: [vˈɪi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "VIY" can be confusing for English speakers as it is a transcription of a Russian name. The pronunciation of VIY can be written as /vi/ with a short "i" sound followed by a "y" sound as in "yes." This transliteration follows the standard system of the International Phonetic Alphabet. "VIY" is the name of a famous supernatural figure in Russian folklore and literature, known as the witch king of the underworld.
VIY is a term that has various meanings and can be interpreted differently depending on the context. In folklore and mythology, VIY refers to a powerful spirit or a monstrous creature with captivating, mesmerizing eyes. This entity is often depicted as an evil or malevolent force capable of casting spells and enchantments, particularly through the gaze of its eyes. It is said to possess the ability to hypnotize or even kill those who meet its intense gaze.
In literature and artistic works, VIY is most commonly associated with the eponymous 1835 Russian horror novella written by Nikolai Gogol. The story revolves around a group of theological students who challenge each other to spend a night in a church that is rumored to be haunted by the dreaded VIY. This work further popularized the concept of VIY and solidified its place in the horror genre.
In contemporary usage, VIY can also refer to the 2014 Russian fantasy film adaptation of Gogol's novella, titled "Viy." This film, directed by Oleg Stepchenko, combines elements of horror, fantasy, and adventure to display the encounters between humans and the terrifying VIY creature.
Overall, VIY is a multifaceted term that represents a malevolent spirit, a horrifying creature with mesmerizing eyes, and is often associated with the Gogol novella and its various adaptations in literature and cinema.
