The Witcher universe is full of savage villains and creepy creatures. The Netflix adaptation breathed life into some of these terrifying monsters. These depictions have been one of the factor reasons for the series taking viewers’ attention despite controversies about it straying from the source material. Fans have seen Henry Cavill slaying during his tenure as Geralt of Rivia slaying not one but many monsters. 

One monster he killed at the very beginning was Kikimora, the giant, scary spider-like creature. Seeing it on the screen might have been frightening for viewers, but it would surprise them that her origin was nothing but harmless.

Kikimora in The Witcher was not dangerous 

In several promotional interviews, Andrzej Sapkowski has admitted how he became a bookworm before he wrote The Witcher. The author dived deeper into the mythical and fantasy world. Likewise, Kikimora also originated from Slavic mythology, whom Henry Cavill fought in the first episode of season 1. In the show, this creature was depicted as a multi-limbed beast hiding in the blackened swamp. However, according to the origin story, they are human-like creatures with the legs of a sparrow.

They are also peaceful and considered female counterparts of the household spirit domovoi. However, the creature is mischievous and makes noises at night, like whistling or breaking dishes. When the house is tidy and organized, Kikimora takes care of the chickens and does the household chores. But in the TV series, they changed into a gigantic creature that is certainly not similar to the rattling pots typically found in Slavic residences.

The name of the creature comes from the old Finnish word “kikke mörkö,” which loosely translates to scarecrow. Besides Kikimora, the show included another harmless creature in season 2 which took Geralt’s best friend from him.

Season 2 depicted the forest spirit named Leshy

The second episode of season 2 brought Lesy, the forest spirit, to the screen. Unlike most monsters in The Witcher, this one was not necessarily harmful because this species is responsible for protecting forests. These creatures have a somewhat humanoid appearance mixed with elements of a tree, featuring long tendrils covered in bark that serve to both attack and restrain enemies.

Leshies are incapable of reproducing, but as the show depicted, they can infect humans and even Witchers. Geralt’s friend Eskel, who fought one Leshy in the forest, was infected and turned into a Leshen himself. Since he became threatening to others, the White Wolf had to cut him down. It was indeed one of the most heartbreaking moments for the character to kill his own friend.

What do you think about this innocent creature? Drop your comments below!