Nature Spirits
-
Raiju
The Raiju is a Japanese Yokai. They are the companions of the god Raijin. Its name means “thunder animal” or “thunder beast.” This creature of lightning resembles a cat, badger, ball of fire, ball of lightning, monkey, raccoon, dog, weasel, white and blue wolf, or wolf made of lightning with a cry like thunder. They attack only during thunderstorms and are otherwise harmless. They may fall asleep in a person’s belly button, which kills the person when the god Raiden throws lightning bolts to wake the Raiju up. They become agitated in storms and jump from tree to tree. Lightning strikes on trees or houses are said to be Raiju claw…
-
Leshy/Lechies (plural)/Leshouikha (male)/Lešak/Leshak/Leshii/Leshiy/Lesiy/Lesní Mužik/Lesnik/Lesny Mužik/Lesny Ded/Lesovij/Lesovik/Lesovy/Lesun/Lešy/Leszi/Leszy
The Leshy is a creature from Slavic myth. They have been classified as nature spirits and old gods and were named as demons in the Dictionaire Infernale. The name Leshy translates to “forest.” They were often compared to Satyrs having goat ears, beards, and horns. They live in forests and are known to run through their woodland homes. They can grow to the height of tall trees or shrink themselves down to the size of a blade of grass. They are thought to have a cry like a Banshee and can imitate voices to lure humans to their cave homes. When they lure in humans, the Leshy will tickle them…