Zhytsen or Žycień () is a positive creature from Belarusian mythology said to live in fields. The name literally means "rye creature", from Belarusian жыта, "rye".

Description

Zhyten is often called a spirit of wealth and wellbeing. It is believed that Zhytsen contributes to good ripening of crops and vegetables, and accordingly, Zhyten is considered the caretaker of good harvests.

Zhytsen

Zhytsen walks through the fields and ensures that crops there are well reaped. It is believed in Belarusian folklore that if Zhytsen finds some left ears of grain, it binds them in sheaves and brings to the fields of more diligent farmers.

Zhytsen

See also

Damavik

Dzedka

Lazavik

Shatans

Younik

Zheuzhyk

Zlydzens

References

Belarusian folklore

Slavic legendary creatures

Slavic tutelary deities

Zhytsen