Editing Leshy (section)

==Leshy and humans==
The life of the Russian peasant was intimately intertwined with the forest, upon which their livelihoods hinged. Within the forest, every aspect of agricultural labor unfolded, with [[slash-and-burn]] techniques to create fields. Cattle grazed amidst the trees, while wood was harvested for both construction and warmth. People also harvested mushrooms and berries, fished, and extracted tar and charcoal. The forest served as a vital thoroughfare for roads, while also playing host to various pagan rituals. Despite active engagement with the forest and its proximity, it remained an enigmatic and perilous domain. It was regarded as an otherworldly realm, teeming with impure forces and beyond the grasp of human control.<ref name="Krinichnaya, Neonila Artyomovna 2004 P.247-323"/><ref name="Madlevskaya E.L. 2005. P. 314-327" />

The perception of Leshy as a forest guardian was ambiguous among the people. Leshy was considered a hostile and dangerous force, sometimes mistaken for a demon. He was often contrasted, however, with “real demons”: his goal was not to harm humans for no reason, but to punish improper behavior in the forest or breaking societal rules. Leshy didn't always harm people intentionally by playing tricks, albeit in a crude and malicious manner: he scared people with laughter and clapping, led them astray, hid their hats and baskets, made them sleep on anthills, forced them to climb trees, offered pine cones disguised as a drink, removed wagon wheels, and more. Leshy was also seen as a benevolent and just spirit, who wouldn't harm humans without reason. He could help gather mushrooms or berries, or show the way if asked, or take care of a lost child. Leshy determined the success of hunting and the prosperous grazing of livestock. Numerous mythological tales depict the struggle between humans and Leshy. This conflicting perspective is also reflected in the depiction of Leshy, alternating between a formidable and fearsome entity that could only be countered with prayers or magic (predominantly in traditional beliefs), and a humble folk demon who could be outwitted by a cunning peasant (primarily in fairy tales and similar accounts).<ref name="Novichkova T.A. Vstuplenie 1995. P. 3-12"/>

According to folk etiquette, when going to the forest, one should pray and ask permission to enter it from Leshy as the “master of the forest.” It was also necessary to ask for Leshy's consent to pursue any activity in the forest. One should not, when going to the forest, say that they are going for a short time - it is not for them to decide, but for the forest. It is very dangerous to get a curse from a relative before going to the forest, as Leshy believes that “cursed people” are promised to him. Leshy does not like it when those in the forest curse, make noise, sing, and whistle - it is his prerogative, he may take offense and respond with his own destructive whistle. Do not respond to an unfamiliar voice - it may be Leshy.<ref name="Shchepanskaya T.B 2003. P. 153">Shchepanskaya T.B. Glavy 4-10 // Kul'tura dorogi v russkoj miforitual'noj tradicii XIX—XX vv. — Indrik, 2003. — P. 153—427. — 527 p.</ref>

Protecting the forest, Leshy can scatter axes and make trees invulnerable to woodcutters, and divert the shots of hunters. A person who stays overnight in a forest hut without being asked might become a target for Leshy to frighten with mysterious noises, maybe even violence. Making a fire or camping on a trail is ill-advised, especially at the crossroads, since a whole wedding or funeral procession of smaller leshy could run over anyone lingering there.<ref name="Vlasova M.N 2008">Vlasova M.N. Leshij // Enciklopediya russkih sueverij. — Sankt-Peterburg: Azbuka-klassika, 2008. — 622 p.</ref>

Leshy likes to warm himself by a human fire, but if he is angry he will extinguish it. If a person misbehaves in the forest, Leshy could frighten them with visions, make them sick, or even tickle them to death. If a person fell ill in the forest, Leshy was petitioned to help them recover. Sometimes Leshy could harm a person without any apparent reason.<ref>Zinovyev V.P. Bylichka kak zhanr fol'klora i eyo sovremennye sud'by // Mifologicheskie rasskazy russkogo naseleniya Vostochnoj Sibiri. — Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1987. — P. 398—399. — 400 p.</ref>