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Leszi
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'''Leszi''' or '''leshii''' (also '''leshy''') are woodland spirits in
Slavic mythology who protect wild animals and forests. There are also ''leshachikha/leszachka'' (wife of the Leszi) and ''leshonky'' (children of Leszi).
A leszi appears as a tall man, with wild black hair covering his whole body, and is sometimes depicted with a tail, hooves and horns. He is considered akin to the
devil in some areas. A leszi has a close bond with the
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.
He is said to have the ability to shape-shift into any form, animal or plant. When he is in human form, he looks like a common peasant, except that his eyes glow and his shoes are on backwards. In some tales he appears to visitors as a large talking
mushroom.
If one could be a friend to the leszi, he would teach them the secrets of magic. Farmers and shepherds would make pacts with the leszi to protect their crops and sheep. The leszi had many tricks, including leading peasants astray, making them sick, or tickling them to death. They were also known to hide the woodchopper's axe.
Source
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Polish spirits
Category:Slavic mythology
{{myth-stub}}
pl:Lesij
ru:Леший
sr:Лешиј
uk:ЛіÑ?овик
