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<br>In ancient Russian tales, the wife of Leshy is portrayed as a powerful figure in the forest, known for her terrifying cries, luring wanderers off course, and snatching children and livestock. It is believed that during human wars, Leshy and other Forest arrow play spirits may also engage in battles among themselves. It was also believed that on Maundy Thursday, one could seek out an old birch tree in the forest, sit upon it, and call upon Leshy (“Forest King, father to all animals, appear here!”) to reveal the future. The response would come in the form of various forest sounds, which the fortune-tellers would interpret. On Christmas Eve, it was a common practice to engage in fortune-telling rituals in the forest, often at a crossroads and during the night.
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