The Leshy
The Leshy is a creature that roams the forests and is known to mislead travelers to unfortunate circumstances or death. The Leshy goes by a plethora of names but is always described by being made from the forest. Through his bark like skin or leafy hair. The Leshy is depicted in a devil like manner to Slavic culture through his subtle actions, he is left handed and wears his shoes on the wrong feet, etc…
A very important ability of the Leshy was that it could shapeshift into anything in it’s biome. Whether that is a bird or a tree, he could do it. The Leshy was known to target people who would damage the woods, make loud noises in the woods, and not ask of it’s permission when hunting. The Leshy on the inverse would help hunters if he granted them his approval.
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia. He is known to spread fake news to control his people. Whether it is killing journalist’s and claiming it was suicide, or just convincing the people of his country he is not like his predecessor’s. Putin in media outside Russia is depicted as a bad man who acts in the shadows to control his people and conflicting nations.
Putin is formerly KGB so he has abnormal habits like holding his right arm still while walking. Putin is able to shift public opinion any way he wants by lying about the numbers. When Putin’s territory is threatened whether it’s someone destroying his image, or attempting to claim “his” territory. He will go to great lengths to destroy them. However, for countries who like Putin he forgets about their ideologies and unwaveringly supports them.
The Connection
Putin and the Leshy have a lot in common. They both mislead others and go to great lengths to protect their supposed territory. They both have subtle habits that appear strange, Putin and The Leshy can shift their public appearance in one way or another. However, both support the thing they claim to hate.
What? Well the Leshy is depicted as a forest spirit whom protects the wilderness and keeps out others. However, in plenty of Slavic depictions of the Leshy it is said to give hunters guidance if the Leshy accepts the hunters gifts, or request. Similarly their is a lot of cultural differences and conflict of ideologies between Russia and countries they are allied with within the RSTO or China. Despite this Putin shows a blind eye to the ideologies he claims to hate from the rest of the world to his allies. Just Like the Leshy.
Now I know Putin is not the end all be all of Russian politics but he is the figurehead so he is the target. However, I think proposing this connection is valuable for creating dialogue. See the very things we warn people against and preach as twisted spirits can show a lot of similarities to the people we elect into power.