The Invention of Leshy

StatusVoR
Simple item page
cris.lastimport.scopus2025-12-05T04:10:17Z
dc.abstract.enThe 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.
dc.affiliationWydział Interdyscyplinary w Krakowie
dc.contributor.authorMajkowski, Tomasz Z.
dc.contributor.authorKozyra, Magdalena
dc.contributor.authorProkopek, Aleksandra
dc.date.access2025-12-01
dc.date.accessioned2025-12-04T12:53:09Z
dc.date.available2025-12-04T12:53:09Z
dc.date.created2025-12-01
dc.date.issued2025-12-01
dc.description.abstract<jats:p> 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 <jats:italic toggle="yes">The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt</jats:italic> , with particular attention to how game design has shaped its popular perception. Drawing on Foster and Tolbert's concept of the <jats:italic toggle="yes">folkloresque</jats:italic> 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. </jats:p>
dc.description.accesstimeat_publication
dc.description.grantnumber2020/37/B/HS2/00169
dc.description.physical1-26
dc.description.sdgPartnershipForTheGoals
dc.description.versionfinal_published
dc.identifier.doi10.1177/15554120251397689
dc.identifier.issn1555-4120
dc.identifier.issn1555-4139
dc.identifier.urihttps://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2066
dc.identifier.weblinkhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15554120251397689
dc.languageen
dc.pbn.affiliationnauki o kulturze i religii
dc.rightsCC-BY
dc.rights.questionYes_rights
dc.share.articleOPEN_REPOSITORY
dc.subject.enThe Witcher 3
dc.subject.enleshy
dc.subject.enleshen
dc.subject.enfolklore
dc.subject.enfolkloresque
dc.subject.eninvented tradition
dc.subject.enPoland
dc.swps.sciencecloudnosend
dc.titleThe Invention of Leshy
dc.title.journalGames and Culture
dc.typeJournalArticle
dspace.entity.typeArticle