Koshey (Koshchei the Immortal, Koshchei Bessmertnyi) is a common antihero in east-Slavic folk tales. He usually functions as the antagonist to a hero, as a rival for the hero. Love rivalry and related themes are common.
The typical feature of tales concerning Koshchei is his protection against being killed - to do so he has hidden his soul inside an egg, and further nested the egg inside various animals, and then in protective containers and places. This makes the first mythological instance of a lich's phylactery.
In other tales Koshchei can cast a sleep spell; he may ride a three, or seven legged horse; may have tusks or fangs; and may possess a variety of different magic objects (cloaks, rings), which a hero is sent to obtain; or he may have other magical powers.
The typical feature of tales concerning Koshchei is his protection against being killed - to do so he has hidden his soul inside an egg, and further nested the egg inside various animals, and then in protective containers and places. This makes the first mythological instance of a lich's phylactery.
In other tales Koshchei can cast a sleep spell; he may ride a three, or seven legged horse; may have tusks or fangs; and may possess a variety of different magic objects (cloaks, rings), which a hero is sent to obtain; or he may have other magical powers.
It should be noted that Koschei is not described as undead, though it can be inferred from his name (meaning 'Bone-like') and the fact that his soul is dislocated from his body. Modern depictions of Koschei, as the one depicted above, are heavily influenced by modern folklore as regards to liches.
You can read the story of Koschei the Deathless here.
Serbian version of the story is called Baš-Čelik (Steel-Head); while the basic story elements are the same, Baš-Čelik is described as a hulking, winged knight, as opposed to a skeletal sorcerer.
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