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Leshy
The lord of the forest. He can appear as a peasant, a bear, or a towering giant. The Leshy leads travelers astray and protects the woods. Enter the forest without his permission at your peril.
Ancient - Present
Russia and Slavic Countries
1000+ witnesses
The Leshy is a forest spirit from Slavic mythology, the master and protector of the woods.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Leshy:
- Rules the forest
- Protects animals and trees
- Can lead travelers astray
- Changes size at will
- Must be respected
Description
The Leshy can appear as:
- A tall man in peasant clothes
- A giant taller than trees
- As small as a mouse
- An animal (bear, owl, wolf)
- A mushroom or moss
Identifying Features
The Leshy may have:
- A long beard
- Glowing green eyes
- Cast no shadow
- Shoes on wrong feet
- His shirt buttoned wrong
Behavior
The Leshy:
- Leads travelers in circles
- Hides trails
- Protects forest animals
- Commands wolves and bears
- Can be friendly if respected
Appeasing the Leshy
To gain safe passage:
- Remove clothes and wear inside out
- Leave offerings of bread or salt
- Ask permission to enter
- Don’t whistle in the forest
- Don’t insult the woods
Dangers
The Leshy may:
- Make you lost forever
- Cause madness
- Tickle you to death
- Keep you as his own
- Let you go if clever