Laughter in the Forest – A Walk with Leshy (part 1)
Les means forest, so this nature spirit’s name is “one from the forest.” He’s probably most commonly known as Leshy, but he goes by similar names depending on the country of origin. Among the Bulgarians, he is Lesnik. This creature, like many Slavic ones, has a good side and a bad side. Today, we’ll show you his lighter side, and next week we’ll discuss his vices.
Leshy is the protector of his domain. Although he allows hunters to hunt and woodsmen to cut down trees—if they ask permission and use moderation in their endeavors—you’re also likely to hear him weep whenever a tree is cut down. He knows you need it for fuel, housing, or domestic items, but it breaks his heart nonetheless.
When the forest spirit is not out doing his rounds, he likes to live in a cave or a hollowed-out old mossy-covered fir. If he’s more sociable, he’ll marry and build a spacious home in the forest for his family. His bride may be another of his kind, a Lesovikha, or even a swamp Kikimora.
Leshy is a shape-shifter, so you may not be aware of his presence, especially since he casts no shadow. An often-quoted fact about him is that he can be as tall as the tallest forest tree or as small as a blade of grass.
If you do happen to catch a glimpse of him, he may have a somewhat human appearance, but he definitely doesn’t look like you or me, or anyone you’ve met. He’s a whole lot of green: his glowing eyes (which may be crossed or shaped like stars), beard, and scraggly hair (combed to the left) are all that color. His pale skin is blue-tinged, rough like bark, and covered with hair, and his face may lack eyelashes or eyebrows. A large wart moves around his face. Or he may be missing his right ear. His head is a bit pointed, and his hair trails to his toes. He has been described like a devil with wings, horns, goat hooves, and a tail and is covered in black hair. He’s likely to be carrying a club and a horn with which he summons the forest animals. In this appearance, he looks like a toddler who’s dressed himself, with clothing on backward and shoes on the wrong feet.
Even if you don’t see him, you’ll know he’s around. If you come across triangular marks like slingshots, you’ve stumbled upon one of Leshy’s trails. Be warned: he leaves no footprints, so you won’t know if he’s been there recently.
Do you hear the magpies squawking? That’s because they’re his messengers, and they notify Leshy whenever anyone trespasses in his forest. He’s certain to be nearby soon after that.
One thing Leshy is most well-known for is that he loves to play tricks on those who enter the forest. He may appear as another traveler and give you what seem like good suggestions for shortcuts. Don’t be deceived. He’s trying to get you lost. If that doesn’t work, he’ll remove boundary rocks or signposts. Or all he has to do is simply walk around his intended victim in a circle. When you’re knee deep in a swamp, you’ll hear him chuckling away at what a good prank he’s pulled.
You can prank him yourself by dressing as he does. He’ll either think you’re another Leshy, or he’ll get a good laugh at your appearance, especially if you’ve stripped naked in the forest to switch your clothing around. In either case, with you dressed like him, he probably will leave you to be on your way.
Bending down to look between your legs and chanting “I walked, I found, I lost” is another way to protect yourself from his games. Leshy will appear from his hiding place and exclaim, “You figured it out.” Then he’ll be gone. You can also try chanting “Sheep’s mug, sheep’s wool” to protect yourself.
To avoid Leshy’s bad side in the first place, ask permission before entering the forest. It is his home, after all, and he doesn’t like trespassers. Even then, it’s best to offer him gifts when you go to the forest, whether it’s for a nature walk or to hunt or cut wood. He likes hardboiled eggs, pancakes, or bread and salt left on a clean linen cloth. He’s even happy if you leave him a cookie (he likes gingerbread) or candy on a stump. Leaving him your first catch of game is another nice offering.
If you want to ask him for help, such as finding lost livestock that may have wandered into the forest, don’t expect Leshy to do it for free. First, though, you’ll have to get his attention—if the magpies haven’t already alerted him. One method is to cut down several birch saplings. With their tips all touching, position the trees in a circular formation. Stand in the center and yell, “Grandpa!” for that is a term of respect.
If you want to make sure he looks more human when you call him, say this instead: “Grandpa, come to me now, not as a gray wolf, not as a black raven, not as a flaming fir tree, but in the shape I wear.” Otherwise, he could appear as anything: a hare, wolf, bear, raven, pig, horse, rooster, flaming fir tree, or mushroom (Amanita muscaria), in particular. Stories tell about how one creature or another dissolved into the air after they tried to capture it. This, of course, was Leshy in disguise.
Before he makes his bargain with you (and beware, he usually gets the better deal), he may attempt to frighten you by barking, neighing, howling, or any sound of the forest, as well as hysterical laughter. At other times, you’ll know he’s nearby because the trees rustle as he rocks on their boughs, he whistles but forbids others to do so, he claps his hands or cracks a whip. The strong wind that blows around him creates an eternal echo of his sounds.
For the most part, though, he’s only out for a good laugh while he’s out protecting his home.
Kickstarter Campaign
The Lesnik in our story is like the one described above. He’s out to play trick on Theo.
We’re planning to launch the complete Dragon Village series on September 26. Here’s a preview of our campaign story.
Dangers lurk in Dragon Village, but also secrets. Can Theo solve the mysteries before an evil creature conquers the magical and human worlds?
Do you have an adventurous soul, ready to encounter strange magical creatures?
Have you ever wished you could travel through a portal to another world?
Do you love the reluctant hero, strong female friends, and quirky sidekicks?
If this sounds like you, then step through the gate into the magical world of Dragon Village.
Campaign link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/dragon-village?ref=3i92sy
If you’re interested in forests and tree, why not check out one of our latest books, Magical Healing Trees in Slavic Folklore, available direct from us or from retail stores.