The Lasi (Forest Spirits)
Our ancestors believed the Lasi to be the sovereign rulers over all wild animals, often herding game toward the great hunters (Pasaltha) to be caught. The Lasi are known to "favor" or "possess" (zawl) certain individuals, most commonly forming deep bonds with these legendary warriors. The supreme King of the Lasi is Lalchungnunga, who took the beautiful maiden Chawngtinleri from the village of Seipui as his wife. Based on the appearance of the child Chawngtinleri bore him, our ancestors imagined the Lasi to possess features resembling those of a goat. The Detailed Nature of the Lasi Lasi maidens were said to be deeply enchanted by the sight of a Pasaltha out on a hunt, especially when they saw them leaping gracefully over great rocks while wearing their traditional striped turbans (diartial). They would frequently watch these men from the shadows of the forest, filled with admiration. Some Lasi would even manifest themselves to these warriors. If a Pasaltha returned their affection, the Lasi—having authority over all beasts—would ensure he was always successful in his hunts. The Lasi possess many extraordinary supernatural powers, the most prominent being their absolute command over wild animals. This command is a primary point of connection between the Lasi and humanity. Because they rule over the animal kingdom, they provide easy prey to the hunters they favor. Consequently, for Mizo men—a people who deeply revere warriors and successful hunters—being "favored" by a Lasi was a lifelong dream. It is also highly likely that the Lasi possess a form of enchantment or hypnotic power (aikaih), allowing them to appear breathtakingly beautiful to those who see them. The strongest bond between a Lasi maiden and a Pasaltha was often romantic or sexual in nature. Yet, despite the deep mutual affection that often existed, they could never be together forever because they belonged to two different worlds. Usually, when a Pasaltha took a human wife, this spiritual connection would be severed. In most Mizo folklore, actual marriages between Lasi and humans are extremely rare. The union between Chawngtinleri and the Lasi King, Lalchungnunga, is perhaps the only well-known instance of a marriage between a human and a Lasi. Another reason for the impossibility of a permanent union is the difference in nature: while humans inevitably age and their beauty fades with time, the Lasi remain eternally youthful, their appearance never changing throughout their lives.
