Khukhy — Kind Forest Spirits of Slavic Mythology
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KhukhyKhukhy are kind forest spirits in Slavic mythology. These creatures resembled small, fluffy little animals that could change color depending on their surroundings — turning green in the grass, yellow among dandelions, transparent near water, and so on.
Khukhy live in various places, but most of all in forests, where they dig themselves small burrows among the tree roots. In winter, khukhy hibernate, and in spring they wake up and get busy about their business — which is why the forest fills with all sorts of sounds at that time (grunting, squeaking, tapping). It's said that when a khukha purrs, everything around it fills with life.
Our ancestors believed that only a person with a kind and pure heart could see these enchanting forest spirits. Khukhy rarely make contact with people, and when they do, they turn invisible. They can warn of danger lurking in the forest, help lost travelers find their way, and even keep them warm on a cold night. But if a person means to harm the forest, khukhy rush off to complain to the leshy, the field spirit, or another guardian — who then deals with the offender personally.
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