Lisovyk

Lisovyk. A figure of Ukrainian folk demonology who controlled the forests and their riches—the trees, animals, and birds. Every forest had its own lisovyk, who appeared in the form of a human being, a giant with horns, a tree, or an animal. He could be recognized by the absence of a shadow. He lived in the woods or in inaccessible places and in winter inhabited caves or deserted shepherds' huts, where he whistled and sang. He could lead people astray in the forest or could help hunters by sending animals into their paths. In the Hutsul region the lisovyk was represented as a shepherd. After Ukraine's conversion to Christianity (see Christianization of Ukraine) Saint George also became a protector of animals and cattle.