The Leshy

The Leshy (Leshi, Leshiy) is the "Old Man of the Forest," a tutelary deity and protector of the wilderness. Being the embodiment of the forest, the Leshy can appear in various forms associated with the forest itself, such as animals (often a wolf or a bear), trees, or even a whirl of leaves on the wind. According to some accounts, the Leshy is a shapeshifter who can appear as any element of the forest — a mushroom, a log, a rock, any woodland creature — or simply not at all, should he choose to remain invisible. All the phenomena caused by gusts of wind in the forest: howling, the crackling of trees, and the rustling of leaves can be attributed to the Leshy.

Leshy dwell 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 a Leshy's dwelling. According to other beliefs, the Leshy resides deep within the forest, protected by dense, impassable thickets and fallen trees. Leshy's homes are covered in animal hides, guarded by dogs, and they often keep livestock. 

A Leshy has a close bond with the wolf, and is often seen in the company of bears as well. In myth and art, the Leshy is often associated with the psychotropic mushroom Amanita Muscaria (commonly known as Fly Agaric). This may connect him in some way to Shamanic mind-altering techniques.

Protecting the forest, the Leshy can prevent men from cutting trees (hiding men's axes and scattering logs), and prevent men from hunting (diverting their shot or luring hunters into impassable places). Many hunters firmly believe that their hunting success is determined by the Leshy, who is responsible for distributing the bounties of the forest to humans.

A 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. The perceptions of the nature of the Leshy are also contradictory. On one hand, the Leshy is often depicted as having a majestic demeanor, yet on the other hand, they enjoy jesting, revelry, drinking, and playing cards.

The Leshy is known for being the primary cause of people becoming lost in the forest, which is why they earned the monikers of the one who “guide off course”. Those who find themselves lost in the woods are often believed to have fallen under a Leshy's spell, as they are enveloped by an invisible force that transports them to an unknown realm. Individuals who unknowingly follow the tracks left by a Leshy are bound to wander aimlessly and come across various challenges. Furthermore, a Leshy has the ability to hinder progress by blocking paths with fallen trees and rivers, making escape even more challenging for those under his influence.

One should not, when going to the forest, say that you are going for a short time - it is not for just any man to decide, but for the Old Man of the Forest.