Tradition: Ossetian Mythology, Russian Mythology
Alternative Names: Gadadlag, Baedagdar, Cindlag, Cindlagar
Category: Forest Dweller
The Myth
Lagsird is a fearsome forest spirit from Ossetian mythology, appearing as a hairy, anthropomorphic creature with long arms, large teeth, and a sharp, axe-shaped growth protruding from its chest. Although it resembles a beast, it is described as something more human-like than an ordinary animal. It lives in dense forests and preys on people, attacking travellers and feeding on human flesh.
One day, a hunter named Khabitz was returning through the forest when he encountered Lagsird. The creature approached him and asked for food. Khabitz offered it a piece of roasted boar, but Lagsird refused and demanded that he hand over the entire animal. When the hunter refused, the spirit extended its long arms towards him. Khabitz raised his axe and struck the creature, cutting off its large teeth before it disappeared into the forest. Knowing the monster’s habits, Khabitz suspected it would return to take revenge. He built a fire, covered himself with his fur cloak, and hid behind a nearby tree with his weapon ready.
Lagsird returned carrying an axe and approached the place where Khabitz lay beneath his cloak. Believing the hunter was asleep, it struck him in the chest. Khabitz sprang up and wounded the creature with his axe, forcing it to flee. He pursued Lagsird through the forest until the trail led him to a cave, where he discovered a beautiful young woman. She explained that she was the daughter of a prince and had been abducted by the monster, which had also stolen her infant son. The child had been raised by Lagsird and resembled the creature, but he was now seriously wounded. Khabitz killed Lagsird, then listened to the woman’s story and took her and the child to safety. The woman was reunited with her father, and Khabitz received rich gifts for rescuing them.
Sources
“Lagsird.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed October 12, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/lagsird
