The Invention of Leshy

The objective of this paper is to examine the role of a digital game series in elevating this relatively minor mythological figure to the status of a synecdoche for the broader concept of “Slavic mythology” and in its appropriation as part of Polish cultural heritage. To this end, this study analyzes Leshy's position in both Polish and global culture before and after the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt , with particular attention to how game design has shaped its popular perception. Drawing on Foster and Tolbert's concept of the folkloresque and Hobsbawm and Ranger's theory of invented tradition, this study analyzes how CD Projekt Red's interpretation of the forest spirit has become the dominant global representation, superseding previous fragmented and obscure references to Leshy in popular culture while simultaneously influencing Polish cultural discourse.