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Chugayster
Chugaister in Ukrainian demonology is a good-natured forest spirit that protects people from dangerous creatures, especially monkeys. He is depicted as a large, stocky man with long hair and a beard, dressed in the skins of wild animals. A special feature of Chugaister is its blue eyes, which radiate kindness and light, which emphasizes its difference from other forest spirits. Unlike other creatures, Chugaister is not hostile to humans. On the contrary, he helps them by protecting them from forest dangers.
Chugaister likes to dance and have fun in the forest. His personality is carefree and cheerful, but he becomes serious when it comes to protecting people from forest spirits, such as monkeys, who can cause harm. Chugaister is able to catch monkeys and destroy them, thereby saving travelers or shepherds who happen to be in danger. He relentlessly pursues them, forcing them to flee or luring them into his traps.
To appease the Chugaister and secure his favor, people could bring small gifts, such as bread or other food, to the forest. Travelers who found themselves in deep forests also believed that a benevolent attitude towards the forest and its inhabitants would attract the protection of the chugaister.
Chugaister likes to dance and have fun in the forest. His personality is carefree and cheerful, but he becomes serious when it comes to protecting people from forest spirits, such as monkeys, who can cause harm. Chugaister is able to catch monkeys and destroy them, thereby saving travelers or shepherds who happen to be in danger. He relentlessly pursues them, forcing them to flee or luring them into his traps.
To appease the Chugaister and secure his favor, people could bring small gifts, such as bread or other food, to the forest. Travelers who found themselves in deep forests also believed that a benevolent attitude towards the forest and its inhabitants would attract the protection of the chugaister.