I'm trying to research Russian/Slavic folklore about a fairylike shapeshifter that lives in the woods.
The most typical sources I find refer to the name Lesapan or Leshy. I'm specifically interested in the creature known as the Borovoi, but I'm unable to find more than a vague reference on Wikipedia.
If there are any historians familiar with Russian/Slavic folklore, I would appreciate your guidance.
At the very least, I'm interested in the geographic and cultural origin of the Borovoi specifically.
Any interesting material related to the origin of Leshy is welcome as well. It's been difficult to track down specific tales/stories.
Leshy (Леший) also known as Lesovoy (Лесовой, lit. - related to forest [лес]) - master of forest.
Borovoy (or Borovik) stands for Bor (Бор) - pine forest in a dry soil (definition written by Vladimir Dal.)
Mentioned regions: Arkhangelsk region, Vologda region, Pskov region (i.e. Nothern European Russia). Borovoy mentioned rarely, usually he is the same as Leshy on specified forest place, or subordinated to Leshy. Source: М. Власова, "Энциклопедия русских суеверий" (M. Vlasova, "Russian Superstitions Encyclopedia".)
Also, looks like "leszy" and "borowy" are the same in polish.
From russian wikipedia page about Leshy it looks like N. Krinichnaya's "Russian Mythology" (Н. Криничная. "Русская мифология: мир образов фольклора") and E. Levkievskaya's "Russian Folk's myths" (Е. Левкиевская, "Мифы русского народа".) Both are well-known specialists in philology and folklore.