Leshy (also Leshi; Russian: леший, IPA:[ˈlʲeʂɨj]; literally, "[he] from the forest", Polish: borowy, leśnik, leśniczy, lasowik, leszy) is a tutelary deity of the forests in pagan Slavic mythology. As Leshy rules over the forest and hunting, he may be related to the Slavic god Porewit.[1]
There is also a deity, named Svyatibor (Svyatobor, Svyatibog), who is revered by both the Eastern and Western Slavs, heralded as the divine arbiter of woodland realms and the sovereign ruler over other Leshies. His functions were identical to those of the god Veles.[2]
Leshy, a masculine entity of humanoid form, possesses the remarkable ability to adopt the guise of any appearance[3] and can change in size and height.[4][5] In some accounts, Leshy is described as having a wife (Leshachikha, Leszachka, Lesovikha and also, sometimes, the Kikimora of the swamp) and children (leshonki, leszonky).
Leshy is reputed for his inclination to misguide wanderers and abduct young ones, a trait he shares with the notorious Chort, "Black One" known as Devil, thus leading certain individuals to perceive him as a malevolent entity. Leshy's attitude towards humans can vary, depending on how they interact with the forest and their overall behavior.[6] Leshy possessed the power to whisk away children afflicted by the malevolent maledictions of their own kin, especially their parents, to the ethereal realm of the forest-dwelling folk.[7] Leshy can be considered as a rather temperamental creature, similar to that of a fairy.[8]
Lesnoi zhitel' (Russian: Лесной житель) "forest dweller" or "woodsman"
Lesny muzhik , "forest man"
Appearance
The depiction of Leshy in mythological tales reflects his supernatural essence and his strong bond with the forest. Being the embodiment of the forest, he can manifest in various forms associated with it. Leshy is a multifaceted entity, with his portrayal being a fusion of different elements: animal, plant, human, whirlwind, and formless spirit.[15] In these stories, the physical appearance of Leshy (and other mythical beings) may not be explicitly described, as his image is often elusive and the storyteller may fear the consequences of vividly depicting this unclean force.
In ancient tales, Leshy is depicted as a phytoanthropomorphic being, with a distinct leaning towards either human or plant-like characteristics in each depiction. It is often portrayed as a fully vegetative entity, such as a revered tree (such as a pine, spruce, birch, oak, or aspen), a bush, a stump, a leaf, or even a mushroom. As the story progresses, Leshy begins to exhibit human traits, such as a human-like shape and branches resembling hair. Conversely, Leshy may take on a more human form, with strong connections to vegetation, such as long, tangled green hair resembling tree branches, a beard made of lichen, and clothing and skin resembling the color and texture of wood bark. In some cases, the plant-like features are reduced to mere attributes, such as a club or baton in hand, a green beard, and green eyes and clothing. Leshy is often associated with the forest, and is said to possess the ability to whip humans with twigs, create noise and humming sounds, and even cause trees to crack. In certain tales, Leshy is seen as the embodiment of the entire forest, filling its entire space with its presence.[16]
In the realm of folklore, Leshy assumes a myriad of forms, some of which mirror zooanthropomorphic creatures. It can take on the form of both wild and domestic animals, such as the revered bear, wolf, owl, demonic hare, frog, crow, magpie, dog, black cat, horse, and black goat. Additionally, Leshy is often portrayed as a half-man half-goat, with black fur covering its body, small curved horns, hooves, long hair and beard. Alternatively, it can also appear as a human with animalistic features, including hairiness, animal skin clothing, claws, hooves, tail, wings, horse bridles, and animal-like sounds. Leshy is often accompanied by an animal companion, such as a black dog or a diminutive black goat.[17]
The dominant perception of Leshy is that of an anthropomorphic figure, which emerged relatively late. However, even in human form, Leshy possesses unreal characteristics. It can vary in size from a giant to an average-sized man. Leshy is typically depicted with long, disheveled or combed-to-the-left hair in shades of gray, green, or red, and a similarly colored beard. At times, it is imagined with a face as white as birch bark. Its eyes can be green, unnaturally pale, white, lead-blue, brilliant, or dull, and may appear bulging or fixed, with the right eye often larger than the left, or both larger than human eyes. Leshy may lack eyebrows and eyelashes, although it may also have bushy eyebrows. It is sometimes described as missing a nostril, right ear, or one eye, and may have a limp. According to some beliefs, Leshy has an upward-pointing head. In certain depictions, it is said to have blue blood, resulting in blue skin. Leshy is often characterized by a desire to conceal its face and avoid making eye contact with others. When sitting, it is said to cross its left leg over the right. Some Belarusians believed that Leshy had a flattened, rib-forward, long face, a long, wedge-shaped beard, one eye, and one leg with the heel forward. The image of Leshy as an old man with a gray beard is widespread. Frequently, Leshy takes on the guise of a family member, friend, or someone familiar, and their trickery may only be exposed upon returning home, when it becomes apparent that the encounter took place in a completely different location. Leshy is also known to assume the appearance of a deceased individual.[15]
When it comes to describing the height of Leshy, there is a wide range of opinions. Some imagine him to be a colossal giant, easily crossing rivers due to his immense stature. Conversely, others see him as a small person, not exceeding the average height of a typical individual. In some beliefs, it is said that the height of Leshy changes based on the surrounding vegetation, being as tall as the trees in the forest and as small as the grass in a clearing. Other perspectives suggest that Leshy appears giant from afar but appears ordinary or small when seen up close, with the ability to change its size at will. In the northern regions of Russia, Leshy was categorized into different species based on their size, including those that acted as guardians of the forest, those that resembled mushrooms, and those that were akin to mosses. Leshy was believed to possess incredible strength, with his weight being so heavy that even a horse would have trouble pulling the cart he sat on. His hand was also rumored to be equally heavy. This supernatural being defied the laws of nature with his immense power and weight, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who encountered him.[15]
It is widely believed that Leshy is dressed like an ordinary person. He may wear leather or fur clothing, an armyak, a woolen homemade caftan, a siberka, clothing similar to a balaklava or a cassock with wide sleeves. The headwear is diverse: a wide-brimmed hat, a pointed cap, sometimes made from various patches, a cap, and more. According to other beliefs, Leshy always has an uncovered head. Some versions state that Leshy is always belted, while others claim he is always without a belt. The typical footwear for Leshy is bast shoes, sometimes enormous. He is often caught weaving or digging in them, sitting on a stump under the moonlight. He also wears boots, and sometimes walks barefoot. The left side of Leshy's clothing is fastened on the right (contrary to men's customary practice), with the right side sometimes "tucked in," and his shoes are occasionally worn on the wrong feet. Leshy is often depicted as a forester or a soldier, usually with shiny buttons. In later folk tales, Leshy is dressed in modern clothing: a cap, boots or shoes, etc. Sometimes he wears attire atypical for the forest, such as a black suit. Overall, the color of Leshy's clothing varies: the colors of the forest are green and tawny, the colors of the otherworldly realm are white and black, and their blend is gray, demonic red associated with the color of blood, and blue. In his hands, Leshy usually carries a whip, a lash, a cudgel, or a basket, indicating his connection to the forest and his patronage over animals. Leshy is often seen naked.[15][18]
It was believed that a strong wind accompanies Leshy from both the front and the back, indicating the direction in which it is heading. This wind sweeps away the tracks of Leshy, hence, according to one version, nobody ever saw them (although in other stories, Leshy does leave traces). Leshy itself can take the form of a powerful wind, whirlwind, as well as storms, rain, and fog. In this form, it raises dust on the road, tears off roofs of houses, and topples trees. In some regions, the image of Leshy as a whirlwind was the most common, and in certain places, any kind of bad weather was identified with it.
There is a belief that Leshy lacks a shadow. This enigmatic creature can be invisible to humans, disappearing suddenly or gradually. It is said that to catch a glimpse of the true form or the invisible nature of Leshy, one must peer through the right ear of a horse or through a bridle, while sitting between three harrows. Northern Russian folklore claims that Leshy wears an invisible cap, but it can be revealed by using the plant known as Ivan's (or Adam's) Head and stealing the cap from him. In certain tales, the only manifestation of Leshy is an inexplicable and sometimes collective fear that arises unexpectedly in the forest.
According to mythological tales, the auditory manifestations of Leshy are both clamorous (often resonating throughout the entire woodland, deafening humans) and diverse (encompassing all sounds that can be heard or imagined in the forest): whistling, laughter, clapping, bellowing cries, singing, the voices of various animals, the howling of the wind, humming, crackling, and rustling. In this way, Leshy asserts its superiority over humans, expressing dissatisfaction, striving to scare, jest, and lead astray with false sounds. In numerous stories, Leshy speaks in human-like manner. Often, it mimics people, much like an echo, which was considered its response in the forest. However, at times it is deliberately silent, and in some places it was even believed that it could not speak. Humans could hear the sounds of Leshy's wedding procession: the hoofbeats of horses, tinkling bells, harmonicas, and songs.[19]
Lifestyle
In the tales and folklore, encounters with Leshy are described in any part of the forest, as well as in fields and even villages, at any time of the day. According to beliefs, Leshy dwells in old dry trees (such as fir and willow), in hollows, in stumps, in upturned roots, in fallen logs, in woodland huts, in secret caves, and even underground. It is said that a person will inevitably get lost near Leshy's dwelling. According to other beliefs, Leshy resides deep within the forest, protected by dense, impassable thickets and fallen trees, which remain unfrozen even during winter marshes. Animals of the forest and birds live alongside the "master". There are superstitions that forest creatures gather there before their death. Often, Leshy is depicted as a solitary being, with only one Leshy inhabiting each forest (large forests may be divided into sections, each with its own leshy). However, in some mythological tales, leshy creatures can gather together, living in families (Leshy's wife is called a leshachikha or a kidnapped maiden, and their children are either their own offspring or also kidnapped children), and even in villages: Leshy's homes are covered in animal hides, guarded by dogs, and they keep livestock; there are stories of leshy leaders and kings; the head of Leshy is referred to as the forest chief, the woodland king, the forest dweller, Musail-les, the honorable Leshy. Leshy can move along human roads, but in the forest, they have their own invisible paths that do not coincide with those of humans, and it is dangerous for a person to wander onto them - one can easily get lost. There was a belief that not all Leshy creatures are active throughout the day, but only during certain transitional hours: at night (especially at midnight), at dawn, at noon, or at an undefined "evil hour".[16]
The perceptions of the nature of Leshy are also contradictory. On one hand, Leshy is often depicted as having a majestic demeanor, yet on the other hand, they enjoy jesting, revelry, drinking, and playing cards. Leshy is attributed to all the phenomena caused by gusts of wind in the forest: howling, the crackling of trees, and the rustling of leaves. The fallen trees and roofs torn off by hurricane winds in some regions are associated with the noisy weddings of Leshy, which they celebrate during the summer. Leshy enjoys hanging and swaying on tree branches, which is why in certain places it has been called the "swinger". It often sits on a tree or stump, weaving bast shoes or crafting wooden trinkets. Leshy can engage in feuds among themselves (tales speak of battles between spirits, using trees and boulders as weapons), as well as with demons, water spirits, field spirits, and house spirits.[18]
It was believed that as the master, Leshy takes care of the forest and protects it. Leshy acts as the shepherd of all woodland creatures, depicted as an old man with a staff in his hand. He herds the animals, ensures their nourishment, defends them from hunters, and saves them from fires. Leshy governs the animals under his dominion as his own property, for instance, he may gamble them away in a game of cards to another forest spirit - this served as a mystical explanation for mass animal migrations such as squirrels, hares, and others. However, Leshy is often portrayed as the patron of only one or a few species of wild animals, most commonly bears and particularly wolves (Leshy can manifest as a white wolf - the pack leader).[15]
A series of dates in the folk calendar are associated with Leshy. The presence of Leshy was particularly common before Great Lent, Palm Sunday, and on the night of Ivan Kupala on June 24 (July 7). It is believed that Leshy, like other spirits, celebrates the arrival of spring and Easter (the best gift for Leshy on this day being an Easter egg). On George's Day in Spring, April 23 (May 6), or around St. Nicholas' Day, May 9 (May 22), shepherds could make agreements with Leshy. Hunters most often made agreements with Leshy on Easter and on the night of Ivan Kupala. On the night of Agafon the Monk, August 22 (September 4), Leshy would leave the forest and run through the villages, scattering sheaves in the threshing floors and causing mischief in general. Peasants would guard the sheaves from Leshy at night, walking around the sheaves in a circle with a poker, as if enclosing them with a fence. The Feast of the Cross, September 14 (September 27), was also considered a special day for Leshy, when they would drive forest animals into special places to play cards with them. Peasants would avoid going into the forest on this day so as not to stumble upon the gathering of Leshy. On St. Erofey's Day, October 4 (October 17), Leshy would stop wandering through the forest, as they would sink into the ground and only reappear in the spring. Parting ways with the forest for the winter, Leshy would become agitated, dissatisfied, and melancholic, causing winds, breaking trees, digging up the earth, and scattering all the animals to their burrows. It was considered dangerous to go into the forest on this day, as Leshy could lose their mind. Leshy would only reappear in the spring, when the snow began to melt. However, according to equally prevalent beliefs, Leshy would remain in the forest during the winter, causing blizzards. Like other unclean spirits, Leshy could manifest themselves during the Christmas season.[20]
The origins of Leshy have been shrouded in ambiguity. Folklore suggests that Leshy are formed from cursed individuals, children traded with dark forces, restless souls, or descendants of unions between demons and witches. In popular Christianity, relatively recent motifs propose that Leshy, like all impure forces, is either a celestial being expelled from the heavens and consigned to the depths of the forest, or a manifestation devised by the Devil himself, endeavoring to replicate God's divine act of shaping humanity, only to be cast down to the earthly realm. Furthermore, Leshies are perceived as an unacknowledged progeny stemming from the lineage of Adam and Eve, or alternatively, as the cursed offspring of various condemned figures, forsaken by the divine.[21]
Leshy and humans
The existence of the Russian peasant was intimately intertwined with the forest, upon which their livelihoods hinged. Within the forest, every aspect of agricultural labor unfolded, with slash-and-burn techniques carefully adhered to. Cattle grazed contentedly amidst the trees, while wood was selectively harvested for both construction and warmth. The pursuit of mushrooms, berries, and fishing opportunities thrived within this woodland realm, alongside the extraction of tar and the burning of charcoal. Crucially, the forest served as a vital thoroughfare for roads, while also playing host to various pagan rituals. However, despite mankind's active engagement with the forest and its proximity to their mastered territory, it remained an enigmatic and perilous domain. It was regarded as an otherworldly realm, teeming with impure forces and beyond the grasp of human control.[15][18]
The perception of Leshy, as a forest guardian, was ambiguous among the people. On one hand, Leshy was considered a hostile and dangerous force, sometimes even mistaken for a demon. On the other hand, it was often contrasted with "real" demons: its negative actions were not intended to harm humans, but rather to punish (even with death) for improper behavior in the forest, and sometimes for breaking societal rules. According to folklore, Leshy didn't intentionally harm people, but rather played tricks and pranks, albeit in a crude and malicious manner: it scared people with laughter and clapping, led them astray, hid their hats and baskets, silently made them sleep on anthills, forced them to climb trees, offered pine cones disguised as a drink, removed wagon wheels, and more. However, Leshy was also seen as a benevolent and just spirit, who wouldn't harm humans without reason. It could help gather mushrooms or berries, show the way if asked, and take care of a lost child. Leshy determined the success of hunting and the prosperous grazing of livestock. Numerous mythological tales depict the struggle between humans and Leshies, in search of a compromise. This ambivalent attitude was also evident in the portrayal of Leshy, sometimes as a powerful and terrifying spirit, against whom only prayers or magic (mainly in folk beliefs) could provide protection, and other times as a simple folk demon, easily outsmarted by a clever peasant (mostly in fairy tales and similar narratives).[21]
According to folk etiquette, when going to the forest, one should pray and ask permission to enter it from Leshy as the "master of the forest". It was also necessary to ask for Leshy's consent to any activity in the forest. One should not, when going to the forest, say that you are going for a short time - it is not for a man to decide, but for the forest. It was very dangerous to get a curse from a relative before going to the forest, as Leshy believed that "cursed people" were promised to him. Leshy does not like it when in the forest swear, make noise, sing, and even more so whistle - it is his prerogative, he may take offense and hurry to respond with his destructive whistle. Do not imitate the echo and respond to an unfamiliar voice - it may be Leshy.[22]
Protecting the forest, Leshy can prevent a man from cutting trees (hides axes, scatters logs), and even more so to maim them unnecessarily, and hunting (diverts the shot, deprives marksmanship and generally the ability to shoot, lures into impassable places). A person who stays overnight in a forest hut without being asked, Leshy tries to frighten with noise, shouts of animals and birds, opening doors, etc., and expel him, maybe even kill him. It is not allowed to lie down for the night and make a fire on the trail, and especially at the crossroads, as it can run over Leshy moving along it or a whole wedding or funeral procession of Leshy.[16]
Leshy likes to warm himself by a human fire, but, when angry, he can scatter or trample it. If a person behaving badly in the forest, Leshy could scare him half to death, frighten him with visions, make him sick, tickle him to death (for the latter he was sometimes called a tickler). If a person fell ill and it was believed that it happened in the forest, Leshy was petitioned to recover. However, sometimes Leshy could harm a person without any apparent reason.[23]
Relationship of hunters and shepherds with Leshy
The hunters firmly believed that their hunting success was determined by Leshy, who was responsible for distributing the bounties of the forest to humans. To ensure a fruitful hunt, one could enter into a pact with Leshy (preferably during Easter or on the night of Ivan Kupala) by offering a gift, such as the first Easter egg or bread with salt (mixed with one's own hair or nails), or by making a sacrifice of one's own blood (from a finger or first catch). Another option was to write a contract in blood. The individual made a promise to abide by specific terms, such as refraining from taking more prey than allowed or refraining from hunting on designated days, in their agreement with Leshy. This agreement must be kept confidential. To ensure success in hunting, rituals were performed to invoke Leshy. By fulfilling their end of the bargain, the forest master guides herds of animals towards the hunter's weapon or leads them into traps, ensuring accurate shots. Any individual who breaks the agreement or reveals its secrecy will lose the protection of Leshy and may face severe consequences, such as illness or death. Striking a deal with Leshy meant surrendering oneself to their power and, as Christianity became more prevalent, it was often equated with selling one's soul to the devil. In later beliefs, concluding a contract with Leshy required placing a cross under one's heel, burying it in the ground, or shooting an icon, holy gifts, or a cross with a gun and smearing the weapon with the resulting blood.[24]
In many regions, cattle were commonly grazed in the forest, and in order to protect them from potential attacks and losses by predators, a shepherd would perform a ritual detour (known as a “free leave”) at the beginning of the season, either on Egoriy or on Nikola days. This involved circling the herd three times while carrying an icon and other “magical” objects, while reciting incantations. It was believed that any mistakes made during the circumambulation could anger Leshy, who was seen as the source of all misfortunes with the cattle in the forest, and he may seek revenge by harming the animals. Consequently, many individuals opted to negotiate with Leshy and choose a “divine” or “blessed” free leave instead of risking a “forest” or “terrible” and “unblessed” free leave. This entailed the shepherd performing a ritual detour around the herd and sitting on a fallen birch tree or aspen stump on the same day or the day before, using a magical incantation to summon Leshy and presenting him with a gift such as an Easter egg, bread with salt, or even a couple of cows. The cow that was promised to Leshy would then either die or disappear in the forest during the season. In some traditions, Leshy was not summoned, but instead a present was left for him beneath a birch tree that appeared to be alluring. The agreement with Leshy was made using a specific and secret formula, but no one was ever able to record its exact text. The shepherd made sure to leave a keyed lock in the forest as part of the agreement. It was believed that Leshy would unlock it when the cows needed to graze and lock it when they had to return to the village. Once the agreement was in place, it was thought that Leshy or his assistant, his spouse, would take care of the grazing instead of the shepherd. This allowed the shepherd to focus on his own tasks and only have to deal with driving out and corralling the cattle. He could also easily call any cows from the forest by blowing a trumpet. However, the shepherd had to follow certain rules and restrictions throughout the season as part of the contract with Leshy. These included not watching the cattle in the forest, not harming them, not killing any forest animals, not damaging trees, not picking berries (especially black berries) and mushrooms, not swearing, not cutting hair or nails, not wearing his own clothes while grazing, not lending his pipe or batog to others, not touching other people (shaking hands, sharing utensils, bathing or sleeping with a woman), and not seeing dead people or newborns. It was also forbidden to sell any cattle from the herd, scratch the wool of sheep, or damage any hedges. Breaking these taboos was believed to result in the breaking of the contract and could even lead to the death of the cattle and the shepherd.[18]
It was believed that Leshy had the ability to steal cattle from people, particularly those who had been cursed and were “sent to Leshy”. On the other hand, leshy had the power to punish those who were careless with their cattle, warning that they would not be able to control their animals because it was not within man's control, but rather Leshy's. If the cattle happened to wander into the territory of Leshy, they could easily get lost. Leshy had the ability to “tie” the cattle to a tree, preventing them from moving and causing them to starve, or even “lock” or “hide” the animal in another realm, making it seem as though it had disappeared. Those searching for their lost cattle may hear the sound of the cow's bell nearby, but still be unable to find it. In some beliefs, Leshy would take care of the stolen cows, grazing and milking them. Leshy had the power to cause chaos among domesticated animals, such as wolves and bears, that were under the care of a negligent shepherd. In order to locate the missing animals, peasants not only conducted regular searches, but also performed a ritual known as “turning away.” This involved going to a crossroads in the forest, often with the help of a knowledgeable person, and attempting to make a deal with Leshy. To appease the creature, they would offer gifts such as eggs or bread with salt, wrapped in a clean cloth and tied with a red thread. They would also pray to Leshy or use threats of magic, such as cursing all the forest roads or tying up all the trees. If the missing animal had not been taken by Leshy, it would usually return soon or Leshy would reveal its whereabouts. In some cases, Leshy would also reveal the animal's fate, whether it had been attacked by other animals, stolen by someone, or simply wandering outside of the forest. Additionally, Leshy was known to cause harm to livestock, often leaving them crippled.[25]
The cause of wandering and disappearance of individuals
Leshy was renowned as the main reason why someone would get lost in the forest, hence earning the nickname “the one who leads astray, or lures away”. Individuals cannot find their way because Leshy surrounds them, creating an invisible barrier that transports them from one world to another. Anyone who suddenly steps on the tracks left by Leshy will inevitably get lost and encounter obstacles. Leshy also has the power to block the path with obstacles such as fallen trees and rivers. Alternatively, it can hide the lost individual from prying eyes: people can hear that they are nearby but cannot find them. Leshy can even figuratively tie the person to the very tree in which it resides, compelling the traveler to constantly return to it. It can manipulate natural signs and landmarks that serve as guides on the path. Leshy can lure a hunter deep into the thicket by pretending to be an elusive or exotic animal. It can also mimic the voice of a friend, a crying child, or a dying person. By taking on the appearance of a familiar or unfamiliar companion, Leshy distracts its victim with conversations or promises of abundant mushroom or berry patches, only to lead them into an impassable place before disappearing. Its appearances in such cases often coincide with a person's dreams of a companion. The lost person finds themselves in an unfamiliar place that is perceived as inaccessible in everyday terms, but in mythological terms, it is considered a different world. However, when the enchantment dissipates, the individual may discover that they were very close to their usual surroundings the whole time. Additionally, Leshy can manifest itself as a familiar person and teasingly remain out of reach, suddenly vanishing, often at the boundary with the cultural world - for example, when crossing a bridge or fence - usually accompanied by laughter.[26]
According to traditional beliefs, there are multiple ways to protect oneself from Leshy, whether it is perceived as a malevolent force or an ancient deity. These methods include reciting prayers, making the sign of the cross, calling upon the name of God, using profanity, or attempting to make Leshy laugh. To end an encounter with Leshy, one must repeat the original words spoken, completing a verbal circle. Other protective measures against Leshy include using salt, fire, a circle made with a sacred object, a linden stick, a coppice, or a mountain ash as talismans. It is also believed that Leshy is afraid of dogs, tricolored cats, and firearms loaded with copper bullets.[15]
In order to break free from the spells of Leshy, an individual must go through a peculiar ritual of undressing completely and putting on their clothes in a non-traditional manner: inside out, backwards, switching shoes, and even flipping insoles. While removing their garments, it is crucial to vocally express strong oaths and forcefully strike them against the sturdy trunk of a tree. When getting dressed, it is recommended to recite a prayer and utter an incantation. Similarly, if one gets lost while riding in a cart, it is necessary to attach the horses in an inverted manner. Alternatively, one can try retracing their steps in reverse, following their own footprints in an effort to escape the confusing forest. Lastly, one can seek guidance from the wise Leshy to find the correct path.[27]
In a manner similar to other demonic beings, Leshy possesses the power to abduct individuals, regardless of their age or gender. These abductions are often shrouded in mystery, with the victims disappearing without a trace. The primary reason behind these abductions is typically tied to a curse, often inflicted by a parent, who sends their child to Leshy as punishment. In the case of a “cursed child” who manages to receive a christening, Leshy bides its time until the child reaches the age of seven before luring them into the depths of the forest. Instead of leaving an empty cradle, Leshy may replace the kidnapped baby with a “changeling” - an inanimate object such as a log or a bundle of straw. Alternatively, Leshy may leave behind its own child, who takes on the appearance of the kidnapped child but in a distorted and grotesque form. These changelings are often characterized by their constant anger, non-stop crying, inability to walk or talk, and lack of intelligence. Eventually, they either vanish, perish, or flee into the forest once they reach a certain age. Those who choose to remain among humans often become sorcerers. Curiously, certain legends portray Leshies as treating their captives with kindness, providing them with sustenance, education, and hidden knowledge, ultimately transforming them into sorcerers and witch doctors. Leshy takes abducted girls as his wives and may even have children with them. However, if a woman gives birth to a child from Leshy and remains in a village, the child mysteriously disappears. Leshy is also known to abduct individuals with the intention of making them his slaves. Often, the abducted individuals become invisible to others, able to see their loved ones and hear their conversations, but unable to reveal themselves or communicate. Other tales suggest that the missing individuals become feral, losing their ability to understand language, wear clothes, and becoming covered in moss and bark, as well as exhibiting aggressive behavior and running away from people. There are also stories in which the “abducted” individuals perish due to exhaustion, starvation, falling into a pit, or becoming stuck in a swamp.[28]
It was believed that one could safeguard themselves from abduction through the use of either Christian or pagan methods. Christians would turn to prayer, crossing themselves, remembering God, and attending prayer services. Pagans, on the other hand, would utter the phrase “dibs on me”, recite incantations, perform the ritual of “turning away”, or attempt to catch up with the abductor within the confines of the forest. When searching for a missing person in the woods, people would use the same “turning away” ritual as they would for finding a lost pet, but with more substantial offerings. These offerings included bread, salt, pancakes, pies, a pot of porridge, or a piece of lard. Additionally, family members would call upon the house-elf for protection against Leshy, communicating with him through the chimney. According to popular belief, a person who had been kidnapped should avoid consuming any food provided by Leshy in order to be able to return home. However, there were other stories where individuals who had eaten Leshy's offerings were able to successfully find their way back, only to discover that the food they had taken had transformed into cones, moss, and other natural objects. In some cases, if Leshy had made a deal with the lost individual, he would guide them out of the forest or reveal their location to those searching for them. Leshy's reaction to releasing his captives was unpredictable - he could do so with joy and a warning to stay away, in annoyance for being disturbed, or reluctantly trying to keep his victim. There were also instances where Leshy would return long-lost captives as a reward for assistance or when they were no longer needed, or even give a kidnapped girl in marriage to others.[16]
There was a belief that those who returned from Leshy were forever changed. They either struggled to find their words, suffered mental wounds, or emerged with a newfound sense of purpose and mystic abilities. These individuals were rumored to possess powers of witchcraft, the ability to foresee the future, and the gift of communicating with otherworldly entities. They were often drawn back to the forest, avoiding society and finding it difficult to form lasting relationships. The details of their time spent with Leshy were kept secret, as some feared that revealing too much could have dire consequences. In the case of young women, known as forest maidens in the Smolensk region, the effects of their encounters with Leshy often manifested after marriage.[16]
The art of summoning, fortune-telling, and other mystical practices
There are various methods for summoning Leshy in mythological tales. One approach involves cutting young birch trees and arranging them in a circle with their tops in the center. Standing in the circle, one must remove a cross and shout loudly, “Grandfather!” Another method is to fell a pine tree in the forest with a blunted axe, causing it to fall onto two aspen trees. Standing on these trees facing north, Leshy can be called upon. On the night of Ivan Kupala, one can cut down an aspen tree so that it falls to the east, then stand on the stump facing east, bend over, look between their legs, and say, “Uncle Leshy! Show yourself as I am, not as a gray wolf, black raven, or fir-tree”.[29] Other ways to summon Leshy include not praying at night and thinking about him before bed, sitting on a pine stump and auctioning three times, closing the door with the left hand before entering the forest, digging up an anthill with the left foot, cutting the top of a birch tree with the left hand, and shouting “U-u-u!” Additionally, one can cut down an aspen tree, take a chunk from it, and auction three times. Another method is to remove a cross at night in the forest, bury it in the ground, and say, “Lord of forests, I have a request for you!”.
[30]
On Christmas Eve, it was a common practice to engage in fortune-telling rituals in the forest, often at a crossroads and during the night. The fortune-tellers would create three circles or use the skin of an animal as a boundary, placing a magical object such as a poker or a ray within. Sitting on the skin, they would also place a piece of bread and sometimes other objects beside them, and then ask Leshy for insight into the upcoming year. The response would come in the form of various forest sounds, which the fortune-tellers would interpret. It was believed that Leshy would only answer three questions and failure to follow the ritual could result in severe consequences. It was also believed that on Maundy Thursday, one could seek out an old birch tree in the forest, sit upon it, and call upon Leshy (known as the “Forest King, father to all animals, appear here!”) to reveal the future. Additionally, it was said that Leshy could foretell the fate of someone who simply encountered him. In certain regions, the appearance of Leshy was seen as a sign of impending trouble.[16]
When discussing encounters with Leshy, as well as other malevolent entities, phrases such as “entices”, “beckons”, “lures”, “tempts”, “scares”, and other expressions of uncertainty are often used. However, there are tales in which Leshy is able to communicate with humans without any obstacles: visiting a pub and drinking vodka, hiring a person as a worker, visiting people, playing matchmaker for a girl he fancies, and so on. There are also stories in which Leshy is portrayed as a giant, riding on humans transformed into horses, carrying a person on his back, stealing food and supplies from people, including grain and nails. At times, Leshy even seeks assistance from humans: asking to be taught how to play the harmonica, requesting food, having a midwife help deliver a leshy child, being freed by a hunter from fellow hunters, being cared for by a woman after being found naked in the woods, and receiving prayers from a man to help ward off devils. In return, Leshy shows gratitude towards humans by helping them become wealthy, giving them magical objects, and even taking their place in the army. It is believed that during human wars, Leshy and other forest spirits may also engage in battles among themselves. Leshy is often used in profanity (although it can be replaced with the word “devil”).[21]
The feminine equivalent of Leshy or Leshy's spouse
In mythological tales, the feminine counterpart of Leshy takes on many forms, just like Leshy itself. She may take on the appearance of a grotesque being with large, elongated breasts that she drapes over her shoulders as she walks, or she may appear as a regular girl or woman, either nude or clad in tattered garments or a flowing white or red dress. Her hair may be unkempt, with green branches intertwined within it, or she may manifest as a towering, haggard old lady. Some say she is a colossal woman. It is said that the female counterpart of Leshy hangs her offspring in cradles suspended from trees.[31]
In some old stories, the feminine counterpart of Leshy is depicted as the wife of the forest spirit, a mistress in his home. Generally, these feminine counterparts exhibit similar behavior to Leshy, such as scaring people with loud cries in the forest, leading them astray, and taking children, boys, and livestock into the woods. They are also known to steal unblest food, graze livestock under agreements with shepherds, and show gratitude to those who assist them. In the Russian North, it is believed that the feminine counterpart of Leshy may reveal themselves to an adult man in the forest, often taking the form of his wife or lover, and engage in sexual intercourse with him, resulting in his madness or death. However, it is said that if one places a cross on the feminine counterpart and whips her with a branch of rowan, she will disappear. There is also a legend about a man who marries a cursed forest girl, and through his love, she becomes a normal human again. In Ukrainian folklore, there is a tale of a man who marries a forest girl after baptizing her and stealing her clothes while she was bathing.[32]
The female equivalent of Leshy bears a striking resemblance to a mermaid, known as the “free old woman” or “mistress” of the tundra and bogs in northern folklore. She is said to possess the traits of a cursed girl who perished in the forest. This depiction of the feminine counterpart of Leshy is often seen as a distinct character due to its partial independence from the original image.[33]
In popular culture
The Wood Demon (Leshy) 1889 by Anton Chekov is both named after and features a character who is nicknamed after Leshy due to his devotion to the forests[34].
Leshy is used as a prototype for the main character of Vladimir Vysotsky's song "Lukomorye", which depicts Leshy as an alcoholic who spends all his money on drinking and is abusive to his wife.[7]
Leshy was the inspiration for an antagonist of the video-game Inscryption, who is also named "Leshy".[35]
In Karol Kalinowski [pl]'s comic-book Łauma the main protagonist is guarded by the Yotvingians' version of Leshy, the Lauma. They also appear on the cover.[36]
The name "Leshy" can designate a type of ghillie suit used by military personnel for camouflage in forests and grassy fields.[37]
The character "Lesh" appears as the guardian of the forest in Mavka, the highest-grossing Ukrainian film based on the 1918 play The Forest Song by poet Lesya Ukrainka[38][39]
In A.B. Poranek's 2024 young adult novel 'Where the Dark Stands Still,' a prominent character named 'Leshy' is portrayed as a leshy.[40]"
^Ushakov,Dmitry. (1896) Материалы по народным верованиям великоруссов, Этнографическое обозрение [Materials on the folk beliefs of the Great Russian, Ethnographic Review]. (Vol. 8), no. 2-3, pg. 158.
^Maksimov, S. V. (1912) Нечистая сила. Неведомая сила // Собрание сочинений [The Unclean Force, The Unknown Force, Collected Works]. pp. 79-80.
^Tokarev, Sergei Aleksandrovich. (1957) Религиозные верования восточнославянских народов XIX — начала XX века [The religious beliefs of the peoples of East 19th – early 20th centuries]. AN SSSR Moscow and Leningrad. p. 80.
^Barbara., Podgórska (2005). Wielka księga demonów polskich : leksykon i antologia demonologii ludowej. Podgórski, Adam. Katowice: Wydawn. KOS. ISBN8389375400. OCLC62151653.
^Krinichnaya, Neonila Artyomovna. (2004) Русская мифология: Мир образов фольклора [Russian Mythology: The World of Folklore Images]. Akademicheskii Proyekt. Moscow. ch. 3, "Leshy: Totemic origins and the polysemy of images". ISBN5-8291-0388-5ISBN5-98426-022-0
^"Lauma". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
^ abcdefgKrinichnaya, Neonila Artyomovna. (2004) Русская мифология: Мир образов фольклора [Russian Mythology: The World of Folklore Images]. Akademicheskii Proyekt. Moscow. ch. 3, "Leshy: Totemic origins and the polysemy of images". P.247-323 ISBN5-8291-0388-5ISBN5-98426-022-0
^Afanasyev A.N. XVII. Drevo zhizni i lesnye duhi // Slavyanskaya mifologiya (Poeticheskie vozzreniya slavyan na prirodu i dr.). — M.: Eksmo, SPb.: Midgard, 2008. — P. 653—665. — 1520 p.
^Koshkarova Yu. A. K voprosu o vzaimosvyazi obrazov medvedya i leshego v russkoj narodnoj tradicii // Nauchnye vedomosti Belgorodskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta. Seriya: Istoriya. Politologiya. Ekonomika. Informatika. — 2009. — Vol. 11, # 9 (64). — P. 97—102.
^Shchepanskaya T.B. Glavy 4-10 // Kul'tura dorogi v russkoj miforitual'noj tradicii XIX—XX vv. — Indrik, 2003. — P. 153—427. — 527 p.
^Zinovyev V.P. Bylichka kak zhanr fol'klora i eyo sovremennye sud'by // Mifologicheskie rasskazy russkogo naseleniya Vostochnoj Sibiri. — Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1987. — P. 398—399. — 400 p.
^Shchepanskaya T.B. Chapters 4-10 // Culture of the road in the Russian mythological tradition of the XIX—XX centuries. — Indrik, 2003. — pp. 153-427.
^Moroz A.B. Northern Russian pastoral vacations and the magic of the first cattle pasture among the Slavs // The East Slavic ethnolinguistic collection. Research and materials. — M.: Indrik, 2001. — pp. 232-258.
^ In her analysis, N.A. Krinichnaya posits that the act of laughter possesses a unique ability to rejuvenate and metamorphose the mythical creature known as Leshy. She goes on to propose that Leshy, being unfamiliar with the concept of laughter in their native realm, derive pleasure from human laughter. This perspective underscores the significant impact of humor on supernatural entities and underscores the role of comedy in facilitating connections between disparate realms of existence.
^Shchepanskaya T.B. Chapters 4-10 // Culture of the road in the Russian mythological tradition of the XIX—XX centuries. — Indrik, 2003. — pp. 153-427.
^Shchepanskaya T.B. Chapters 4-10 // Culture of the road in the Russian mythological tradition of the XIX—XX centuries. — Indrik, 2003. — pp. 153-427.
^Krinichnaya, Neonila Artyomovna. (2004) Леший: тотемические истоки и полисемантизм образа [Russian Mythology: The World of Folklore Images]. M.: Akademicheskij proekt; Gaudeamus, 2004. — S. P.275-277 ISBN5-8291-0388-5ISBN5-98426-022-0
^Shchepanskaya T.B. Glavy 4-10 // Kul'tura dorogi v russkoj miforitual'noj tradicii XIX—XX vv. — Indrik, 2003. — P. 211. — 527 p.
^Levkievskaya E. E. Leshiy // Slavic antiquities: An Ethnolinguistic dictionary : in 5 volumes / under the general editorship of N.I. Tolstoy; Institute of Slavic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. — M. : Interd. relations, 2004. pp. 104-109.
^Hnatyuk V.M. Leshy. Essay of Ukrainian mythology. — Lviv: Institute of folk studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2000. P.109-115.
^Levkievskaya E. E. Leshiy // Slavic antiquities: An Ethnolinguistic dictionary : in 5 volumes / under the general editorship of N.I. Tolstoy; Institute of Slavic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. — M. : Interd. relations, 2004. pp. 104-109.
^
Taras, Anatolij E. (2022) [2018]. "Maskirovochnyj kostyum". Sputnik razvedchika Спутник разведчика [Scout's Guidebook]. Kommandos (in Russian). Minsk: Kharvest. p. 64. ISBN978-985-18-4398-1. Retrieved 29 August 2023. В наших широтах самые распространенние виды маскировочных костюмов это «Кикимора» (для болотистой местности с богатой растительностью) и «Леший» (для лесов и полей с пожухлой травой).
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