“We never hunt in these woods. Never. Even if it means the whole village starves. At the heart of the forest lies a secret. In a place born of darkness and primeval nature, resides a mighty and terrifying guardian. Immune to human steel, it is believed the leshen is nature’s way of protecting the forest and the animals that live within it from the threat humans started to pose upon their ravaging expansion deeper into the lands.”

— Mulliver, ealdorman of Hoshberg in lower Aedirn

In all of the Witcher series, there is no monster more iconic than the mysterious Leshen. Based off the myth of the Wendigo, the Leshen is depicted as one of the most ancient of monster species. Their powers are mystical; Able to control animals, plant life, and weather, the Leshen is an extremely territorial monster.

First encountered on the Island of Ard Skellige, the so called “King of the Woods” roams over the locals land, killing any man that dares kill any sort of life in the Leshen’s forest. You are contracted to hunt down the Leshen and get rid of it any way possible. This contract quest is unlike others, for this quest gives you the ability to choose whether to fight and kill the Leshen, or pass it’s tests and prove worthy of living on its land.

Leshen’s are not common in the Wither 3 game however when you do encounter a Lashen, be prepared to fight. These monsters are able to bend the battlefield to its will. The forest is the Leshen’s chess board and if you are not careful, one massive blow could leave you helpless.

Leshens have been known to call upon wolf packs, and groups of ravens for help is battle. Ancient Leshens come prepared with help from enraged grizzly bears… Watch out!