Also called Likho Odnoglazoe, One-Eyed Likho, Licho.
The tale
In a Russian tale a smith and a tailor set out to find Likho because they have never known misfortune. They come to a hut where a huge one-eyed woman eats the tailor. The smith offers to forge her a second eye, blinds her instead, and escapes clinging under a ram, like Odysseus from the Cyclops. He returns home with one hand lost, having learned what trouble is.
When they are met
- none; the proverb says leave her sleeping
Staying on their good side
- to stay on her good side: don't go looking for trouble
- avoid boasting that nothing can harm you
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Remember the proverb: "Do not wake Likho while it sleeps quietly."
- Let small troubles rest rather than stirring them up.
What their tales teach
- caution
- humility
- accepting when to leave well alone
Symbols
- a single eye
- a gaunt old woman or giant
- sheep
Sources
- Alexander Afanasyev, Narodnye russkie skazki ("Likho Odnoglazoe")
- Linda J. Ivanits, Russian Folk Belief
More Slavic folklore
- Baba Yaga The witch in the hut on hen's legs
- Domovoi The grandfather who lives behind the stove
- Leshy The master of the forest
- Rusalka The maiden of river and birch
- Kikimora The spinner in the dark corner
- Koschei the Deathless The sorcerer whose death is hidden
- Kostroma The straw maiden of spring and summer
- Dodola The rain-bringing girl of summer