# Yagna Borynova — The Peasants character guide > Yagna Borynova in The Peasants by Władysław Reymont. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Yagna, Borynova **First appearance:** 0003-i ## Snapshot A young beauty married to the village's richest old farmer, she steps into a household already at war and becomes the spark at its center. ## Who they are Yagna enters Boryna's farm as his young wife, warned by her mother to guard her reputation and never let the old man be slighted. Yet she flares with impulsive sympathy for Antek, the son her husband has disinherited, and her tears at his name betray feelings she can barely name. Her presence splits the family and sets tongues wagging across the village, making her the still point around which the novel's early conflicts turn. ## Relationships ### [Antek Boryna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/antek_boryna) _romantic_ Passionate and illicit lovers, driven by intense desire but also conflict and societal scandal. ### [Yanek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/yanek) _romantic_ Yagna is the object of young Yanek's infatuation, a one-sided romantic obsession from a naive boy. ### [Hanka Boryna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/hanka_boryna) _rivalry_ Bitter rivals and enemies, as Hanka sees Yagna as the homewrecker who stole her husband. ### [Yuzka Boryna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/yuzka_boryna) _family_ Sisters-in-law, but their relationship is marked by jealousy and tension due to Yagna's position in the family. ### [Matthew Golab](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/matthew_golab) _romantic_ Matthew is a persistent suitor of Yagna, driven by lust and a desire to possess her. ### [Dominikova](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/dominikova) _family_ Dominikova is Yagna's mother-in-law, who resents and distrusts her for her beauty and behavior. ### [Roch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/roch) _social_ Roch is a wandering wise man who observes Yagna with a mix of pity and moral judgment. ### [Vitek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/vitek) _psychological_ Vitek is fascinated and intimidated by Yagna, viewing her with a mix of awe and fear. ### [Antek Boryna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/antek_boryna) _romantic_ Passionate and illicit lovers, driven by intense desire but also conflict and societal scandal. ### [Antek Boryna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/antek_boryna) _romantic_ Passionate and illicit lovers, driven by intense desire but also conflict and societal scandal. ### [Hanka Boryna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/hanka_boryna) _rivalry_ Bitter rivals and enemies, as Hanka sees Yagna as the homewrecker who stole her husband. ### [Yuzka Boryna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/yuzka_boryna) _family_ Sisters-in-law, but their relationship is marked by jealousy and tension due to Yagna's position in the family. ## In the story ### [The Peasants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/the-peasants) Mentioned in relation to her impending marriage to Boryna, a source of tension. ### [Autumn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/autumn) Yagna is restless and anxious about her upcoming marriage to old Boryna, feeling trapped by the expectations of the village. ### [Autumn in Lipka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/i) Discussed by the women as beautiful, idle, and the object of male attention, including Antek's. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ii) Proposed as a suitable match for Boryna; observed by him while plucking a goose. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/iii) Scutches flax outside the churchyard, exchanges a flirtatious smile with Boryna. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/v) Meets Boryna at the capmakers' stalls; they engage in playful, flirtatious banter. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vi) Yagna is the subject of a marriage proposal from Maciej Boryna; she remains indifferent and defers to her mother's decision. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vii) Feeling upset and restless, awaiting the evening move to Boryna's cabin; she tries on Boryna's gifts and is moved to tears by the music and Roch's story. ### [The Betrothal of Boryna and Yagna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/viii) Betrothed to Boryna; accepts gifts and settlement coolly. ### [Chapter IX: All Souls' Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ix) Recently engaged to old Boryna; her presence is felt through the tension she causes in the family. ### [The Bitter Quarrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/x) The subject of the family dispute; she is preparing to marry Boryna, causing resentment and accusations from Antek and Hanka. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xi) The bride, feeling indifferent and troubled on her wedding day, defends Antek against her mother's warnings and insists on keeping her hair uncut. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xii) The bride, who escapes the room amid laughter and later serves guests with Boryna. ### [Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/winter) Yagna is restless and conflicted about her impending marriage to Boryna, feeling trapped by the winter and her fate. ### [Winter's Onset and Antek's Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/i) Yagna is with Boryna on the sledge, a figure of Antek's past desire and current bitterness. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as the object of Antek's affections, a source of shame and gossip in Lipka. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/iv) Struggles with memories of Antek, feels trapped in her marriage, and reconnects with him at mass. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/v) Tortured by sleeplessness, guilt, and longing for Antek; tries to resist sin but feels isolated and miserable. ### [Chapter VI: The Squire's Visit and Winter's Hardships](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vi) Refuses payment from Mr. Yacek, lies to Boryna about the lost apron, and is rebuked for speaking about the blacksmith. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vii) Dances provocatively with Antek, dressed in finery, and is torn away by Boryna. ### [Chapter VIII: The Harsh Winter and Village Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/viii) Grows restless and defiant under Boryna's confinement; she goes to church alone and talks to farm-servants, and is frightened by the priest's sermon. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ix) Yagna is the object of Antek's affection, blamed by Hanka for her misery. ### [Chapter X: The Fabulous World of Winter Tales](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/x) Starts at Roch's words about hidden thoughts and foul desires, as Antek enters the cabin. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xi) Flees with Antek into the night, confessing her longing and fear, and escapes the burning haystack. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xii) Yagna is beaten by Boryna and sent to her mother's house. She is forced by Antek to meet him, but eventually reconciles with Boryna and returns to his cabin. ### [Chapter XIII: The Spring of Despair and Defiance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xiii) Now treated coldly by Boryna as a mere servant; she is sent to work in the orchard, highlighting her diminished status. ### [Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/spring) Yagna is present in the village as spring arrives, her situation reflecting the ongoing tensions. ### [Spring's Return to Lipka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/i) Rumored to be pursuing the Voyt after Antek's imprisonment, continuing her adulterous behavior. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ii) Seen outside the porch dressed for church; later does not come in for dinner, having been seen walking with her mother and the blacksmith. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as enjoying herself, dressing well, and sitting with the Voyt in the tavern; she watches Hanka in the larder. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/iv) Yagna is at Boryna's cabin, skillfully coloring Easter eggs with intricate designs, showing her artistic talent. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as having gone to her side of the hut during the evening. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vi) Dresses up for the supper, is captivated by the younger Rzepki man, and later receives caramels from the Voyt. ### [The Return of the Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned as still living in the same cabin as Hanka, with gossip about her taking up with the Voyt. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/viii) Continues her scandalous affair with the Voyt, flaunting her wantonness despite her mother's pleas and the village's gossip. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ix) Yagna is discovered drunk and asleep with the Voyt in the forest, causing a major scandal in the village and drawing harsh condemnation from the women. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xi) Returns from her mother's and goes to rest early, sullen and unpleasant, avoiding Matthew. ### [Summer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/summer) Yagna is at the center of the summer's tensions, her beauty and restless spirit drawing the attention of both Antek and old Boryna, while she struggles with her constrained role as a wife. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/i) Yagna is the widow of Matthias Boryna, feeling isolated and shunned by the community during the funeral, and experiencing intense grief and guilt. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ii) Wanders restlessly around the village, captivated by Yanek during the church service. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/iii) Yagna claims her six acres, but in a fit of anger throws the deed at Hanka and leaves the house, later deciding to flee Lipka after being insulted by the Voyt's wife. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/iv) Haunts Antek's memory as he walks home, appearing as a vivid and painful vision. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as suffering and lonely in Dominikova's household, stirring Antek's desire. ### [Simon's Wedding and the Struggle for Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vi) Secretly aids Nastka by bringing bundles before the wedding, and avoids the Borynas at the feast. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/vii) Feels unwanted and moody; rejects Matthew's advances and violently rebuffs the Voyt; overjoyed at news of Yanek's return. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/ix) Meets Yanek in the forest, dressed carefully, exchanging strawberries; later called by Dominikova. ### [The Search for Roch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/x) Returns to the village and senses the tension; learns of the gendarmes' arrival. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xii) Accused by Yanek's mother of being a 'trull'; accompanies the pilgrims; overwhelmed with despair as Yanek departs. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/chapters/xiii) Yagna is bedridden and mentally broken, barely conscious, and laments calling for Yanek. She is the target of village slander and her mother's accusations. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters/yagna_borynova - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_peasants_se/characters