Leshy

This is piece I did for my Slavic Folklore series!

This is the Leshy, also known in Polish as borowy, leśnik, leśniczy, lasowik, or leszy, a forest spirit from Slavic mythology. He is often seen as a guardian of the woods, connected to wild places, hunting, and the creatures that live among the trees~

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The Leshy is usually described as masculine and human-like, but he can change his shape, size, and appearance. In some stories, he even has a wife and children (whom I drew him with :) His relationship with humans is complicated: he may protect the forest, punish disrespectful travelers, lead people off the path, or even take children into the woods.

He isn't purely eveil, but is often portrayed as unpredictable and temperamental, responding to how people treat the forest and the natural world.