| Leshy | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Others | Leshii Leszy Lesovik Borovoi | ||
| Binomen | N/A | ||
| Original | леший | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Body type | Shape-shifter | ||
| Average height | Size-shifter | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sentience | Sentient | ||
| Sapience | Sapient | ||
| Aggressivity | Variable | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Place of origin | Russia | ||
| Habitat | Forests | ||
| Locomotion | Bipedal | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | Real | ||
The Leshy, a.k.a. Leshii, Leszy, Lesovik, or Borovoi, is a forest guardian spirit from Slavic folklore.
Overview[]
He is typically represented as a large humanoid beast covered in either shaggy fur or grass, and may have a couple of horns on his head. His attitude towards humans varies depending on how they treat the forests that he protects. Those who harm the forest will be led astray, or even have their children kidnapped.
The Leshy is seldom seen, but his booming voice is often heard, and he is capable of imitating voices to lure travelers away. He is often accompanied by animals such as wolves and bears, and has the ability to shape-shift, size-shift, and perform magic. When shifting his size, the Leshy can become as tall as a tree or as short as a blade of grass. Even in human form, he often has a green grass beard, and doesn't have a shadow. Some sources claim that his blood is blue, and that makes his skin slightly bluish, especially on his cheeks.
In popular culture[]
The Leshy is mentioned and acknowledged as a type of forest Wesen in the Grimm episode "Tree People". True to its folkloric origins, the Leshy is described as protective of its natural habitat, much like the Curupira and the Kinoshimobe.
In Supernatural, the Leshi is portrayed as a shapeshifting god who assumes the form of famous people that are idolized by its victims.
In the comic Hellboy: Darkness Calls, Leshy appeared alongside several other figures from Slavic and Russian mythology and folklore, such as Perun, Baba Yaga, Domovoy, Koschei and Vasilisa.