Heykal / Wild Man General

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The Leshy, also known as Heykal or simply the Wild Man of the Woods, is a forest demon according to Czech mythology. His appearance is similar to the East Slavic Leshy, but also to the classical fauns and satyrs or the Western European tradition.
He has no soul and lives apart from human society – deep in forests, caves or rocks. His body is covered in fur or moss, sometimes only sparsely clothed, and he got the name Heykal from his terrifying call (Czech hýkat means “to bray”). This sound must not be imitated by humans; otherwise, the Leshy will pursue them, jump on their back and chase them through the forest, or tear them apart. It is said that the most dangerous demons were found in the Plzeň region.
People believed that the wild men would capture young girls and take them as wives, and if a girl escaped, they would tear her child apart. Leshies also enjoyed frightening travellers and leading them astray. Protection against them could be achieved by swithing over one’s shoes, turning pockets inside out or carrying a piece of bread.
The female counterparts of the Leshy are Divozhenkas, Forest Maidens or Fairies.

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