Antsybol

Lore

The Antsybol, often called the Swamp Grandfather, ranks highest among the swamp's denizens, including other supernatural entities. Few dare to challenge him in the marshes, which, as you know, can swallow a traveler in a matter of minutes if there's no one nearby to help. So, if you're setting out to meet the Antsybol, it's best to go in a group of three—the chances of escaping the swamps increase—and it's wise to prepare all the necessary equipment in advance.

In folklore, swamps have always been considered places inhabited by dark forces—a cursed realm where adventurers often met their deaths. Numerous proverbs attest to the swamp's sinister nature, one of the most popular being: "If there's a swamp, devils will be found."

Ancient records describe the Antsybol as a sullen, sluggish creature sitting at the bottom of the swamp, resembling an old man covered in layers of mud, with clinging algae, snails, and fish scales. In some regions, the Antsybol is depicted as a person overgrown with gray fur, with long arms and a twisted tail. A common feature in all descriptions is his belly—it indicates how ancient this being is. People say that the bigger the belly, the older he is. Unlike other evil spirits, the Antsybol cannot change his appearance; his attire usually consists of moss and decaying swamp plants.

The Antsybol has traditionally been blamed for people's deaths in the swamps. In stories and tales, various tricks he uses to lure travelers or animals into a quagmire are described. How does he do this? In various ways. He might mimic the sounds made by different birds—a duck or a ptarmigan—which, of course, attract hunters. Another method is that the Antsybol creates illusory lights in the swamp at night to lure travelers; in some cases, he can grow special flowers that attract and hypnotize with their scent. Once an adventurer gets stuck in the quicksand, the Antsybol grabs them by the legs and drags them down.