Leszi
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Leszy, lesij, leshii is a woodland spirit in Slavic mythology who protect wild animals and forests. There are also leshachikha/leszachka (wife of the leszy) and leshonky (children of leszy).
A leszy usually appears as a tall man, however he is able to change his size from that of a blade of grass to a very tall tree. He has hair and a beard made from living grass and vines, and is sometimes depicted with a tail, hooves and horns. He has pale white skin that contrasts with his bright green eyes. He is considered akin to the devil in some areas. A leszy 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 shapeshift 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 a person could befriend a leszy, the latter would teach them the secrets of magic. Farmers and shepherds would make pacts with the leszy to protect their crops and sheep. The leszy had many tricks, including leading peasants astray, making them sick, or tickling them to death. They were also known to hide the axes of woodchoppers.
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