The
Leshy or
Lesovik is a male woodland spirit in
Slavic mythology who protects wild animals and forests. There are also
leshachikha/leszachka (wives of the leshak) and
leshonky (childrens of the leszy). He is roughly analogous to the
Woodwose of Western Europe and the
Basajaun of the Basque Country.
The Leshy is known by a variety of names and spellings including Lesiy, Leshii, Leszi, Lesovik, etc.
Main name forms
A leshy usually appears as a tall man, but he is able to change his size from that of a blade of grass to a very tall tree. He has hair and a beard made from living grass and vines, and is sometimes depicted with a tail, hooves and horns. He has pale white skin that contrasts with his bright green eyes. He is sometimes considered akin to the devil. A leshy has a close bond with the Gray Wolf, and is often seen in the company of bears as well. He is the Forest Lord and carries a club to express that he is the master of the wood.
