forest spirits

Forest spirits are supernatural beings believed to inhabit woodlands in various mythological and folkloric traditions worldwide.

These entities—which include dryads, leshy, kodama, and countless others—are typically portrayed as guardians or embodiments of the forest itself, sometimes benevolent toward respectful travelers and hostile toward those who damage trees or disrupt the natural order.

The villagers left offerings for the forest spirits before cutting timber.

Modern fantasy literature and games have drawn heavily on these traditions.