In Russian folklore, the malevolent forest spirit is known as a leshy. This creature is said to be the guardian of the forest, capable of leading travelers astray, especially if they disrespect nature. The leshy is often depicted as a tall man covered in foliage and is known to have the ability to shapeshift. Traditional stories emphasize the importance of respecting the forest and its inhabitants, making the leshy a symbol of nature’s wild and untamable aspects.