Ancient Greek bronze applique, forest
spirit amulet, 4th-3rd century BC.
Leshy - one of the main evil spirits,
which is constantly mentioned in various folklore descriptions. Leshoi also has
many different names: leshak, forest uncle, wild peasant, forest cherub, fox,
righteous forest and others. According to ancient Slavic mythology, Leshi is
the guardian spirit of the forest. His appearance, as well as his name, was
presented differently in different regions. Somewhere he was represented as a
huge bear, somewhere as a tall, scary old man, a goat-legged and horned
creature, a tree. Among his special features, each look is distinguished by the
lack of eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as the right ear, green fire in the
eyes, and long gray-green hair that is combed on the left side.
Forest
The places where Leshi lived were
always surrounded by people. Nevertheless, before entering the forest, he
always had to ask permission from the forest uncle, because he is not just a
spirit, but the guardian of all forest vegetation, and at the same time he is a
bear and wolf shepherd.
Leshi was often credited with scaring
people with his wild laugh and sometimes led the lost in circles through the
forest. Those who ended up being his victims were not supposed to eat under any
circumstances, and also had a barkless linden board (Lithuanian). Also, to
protect yourself from the goblin, they advised turning the insole inside the
shoe upside down and turning all clothing inside out. The most important thing
is not to anger Leshi, especially with abuse, as he really did not like it.
Weighs- 8,02 g.
Size- 23 mm.
Ancient Greek bronze applique.
Private collection.