Monument «Koroviev and Behemoth»
There is a monument dedicated to the characters from Bulgakov`s novel “The Master and Margarita” at the entrance to the Mikhail Bulgakov Museum. The sculpture, created by Alexander Rukavishnikov in 1999, was originally located near his studio in Bolshaya Molchanovka Street. On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Bulgakov’s birth, Koroviev (the Bassoon) and Behemoth (the Hippopotamus) finally found their place next to the museum.
Fagot, also known as Koroviev, is a character in Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel “The Master and Margarita”. He is a part of Woland’s group and is described as a tall, thin man with a mocking face and wearing plaid clothing, which makes him look comical. His name, Bassoon, is also a reference to a musical instrument that is tall and thin. Some believe that he may have been an angel in the past, as the instrument is often associated with church music. The surname Koroviev could be related to the Hebrew word “karov”, which means “close”. This could suggest that he is close to Woland and his group. Bassoon first appears in Berlioz’s vision and then takes part in events that lead to the death of the editor. Throughout the story, he plays tricks on people and creates chaos, such as confusing Ivan Bezdomny and running money scams. He also arranges a magic show for a variety of performances. At Satan’s ball, Fagot, together with Behemoth, welcomes the guests and offers Woland a cup filled with Baron Maygel’s blood. In the final scene, he transforms into the true form of a grim knight, doomed to centuries of penance for an ill-fated joke about Light and Dark. His transformation from a comedic character to a tragic one emphasizes the duality that is characteristic of the novel.
The Hippopotamus cat, one of Mikhail Bulgakov’s most striking characters in The Master and Margarita, is a werewolf and Woland’s favourite jester. I particularly remember the scene where, in a “poor apartment” (Apartment 50, 302-bis, Bolshaya Sadovaya Street), he confronted NKVD officers and declared, “I’m not bad, I’m not hurting anyone, I’m just fixing the stove.” The image of Behemoth was largely inspired by mythical monsters from apocryphal texts, which inhabit the desert east of Eden. Bulgakov was also influenced by books on demonology, and he satirically portrayed gluttony in Behemoth and irony towards Soviet buyers at Torgsin. The prototype for the cat may have been Bulgakov’s own pet, Flusha. Literary critics have also associated Behemoth with Hoffman’s cat Murr, whose funny complacency he inherited. The Hippopotamus Cat is a sarcastic and cunning character, a loyal companion of Woland. Not only does he joke, but he also actively participates in events, displaying his mystical abilities. In the novel’s finale, Behemoth appears as a young knight-page, destined to wander with his master forever. This image may have been inspired by chivalric legends. At the end of the novel, similar to other supernatural beings, Behemoth vanishes before dawn in the desert hills, leaving room for the righteous and chosen ones, who will find eternal peace.
Address: Moscow, Bolshaya Sadovaya St., 10
