Zwizków

Zwizków is a fictional genus of small forest-dwelling mammals used in Polish folklore and contemporary fantasy literature. It is a neologism created for narrative purposes and has no basis in real zoological taxonomy. In in-universe classifications, Zwizków is placed within Domain Eukaryota, Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Rodentia, Family Zwizkovidae, Genus Zwizków, with several described species such as Zwizków montanus and Zwizków sylvatica.

Zwizków are typically 6 to 12 centimeters long, with a compact body, rounded ears, and dense fur that can range from gray to russet. A distinctive feature in many depictions is faint bioluminescent patches on the throat or chest that glow briefly in darkness. They are good climbers with strong hind limbs and often store food in cheek pouches.

Habitat and distribution are described as temperate forests of the Carpathian region and adjacent highland woodlands in fictional maps. They are shy and nocturnal, rarely seen by humans.

Behavior and diet: Zwizków are described as omnivorous, feeding on berries, seeds, fungi, and occasional invertebrates; they tend to be solitary outside the breeding season.

In culture: Folklore portrays zwizków as guardians of woodland paths and gateways, sometimes as tricksters or helpful spirits. In modern stories, they are depicted as intelligent, elusive companions to rangers and herbalists.