In Brazilian folklore, Curupira is a character described as a strong and agile dwarf with red hair who have your feet turned backwards.
Thus, when walking, the curupira manages to deceive anyone who intends to follow him by looking at his footprints. The pursuer will always think he went in the opposite direction.
The legend states that Curupira lives in the forest doing mischief, being considered the protector of forests.
The story of Curupira in Brazilian folklore
The Curupira, known as the “forest demon”, whistles and uses false signals.
It brings together many stories that involve inexplicable mysteries, for example, the disappearance of hunters, as well as the forgetting of paths.
It is said that with its feet turned backwards, the Curupira deceives and confuses people who damage its habitat, for example, hunters, loggers, lumberjacks, etc.
This folkloric character, who loves smoking and drinking pinga, doesn't like crowded places and, for that reason, prefers to live in the forests.
Another characteristic, and perhaps Curupira's weak point, is his curiosity. Thus, the legend warns that to escape its traps, one must make a ball of vine and hide the end well.
Very curious, he is entertained with the skein and the person manages to escape. Until the present day, so that they are not bothered by Curupira, many hunters and woodcutters tend to offer them drops and tobacco when they reach the forest.
What is the origin of the legend of Curupira?
There are controversies about the creation date of the Curupira legend. However, the Spanish Jesuit priest José de Anchieta (1534-1597) wrote about the character in the 16th century, calling him “devil that attack the indians”.
For the Indians and the pioneers, the Curupira was considered a dangerous, demonic, malicious, and much feared creature.
That's because this character has been associated with many cases of violence, sexual abuse, child abduction and psychological horror.
Capable of bewitching children, Curupira kidnapped them and only after seven years were they returned to their parents. That's why he became known as the evil spirit, willing to haunt the nights of the Indians and the pioneers.
Curiosities about Curupira
- From Tupi Guarani, the term Curupira (kuru'pir) means “boy's body”.
- Curupira Day is celebrated on July 17th.
- In São Paulo, in Horto Florestal, there is a monument to Curupira, inaugurated on Tree Day (September 21).
- The legend of Curupira can vary from region to region. There are places where he is represented by a goblin, with large, pointed ears. In others, he has no hair and appears carrying an axe.
- Curupira is often confused with another character in Brazilian folklore: Caipora. The two characters are very fond of smoking and drinking, are very agile and, above all, caretakers of the forests.
Folklore Quiz
Learn more about other Brazilian folklore legends:
- Legends and characters from Brazilian Folklore
- Indigenous Legends
- Unmissable Legends of the South Region
- Fantastic legends from the Midwest region
- Legend of Saci-pererê
- legend of Iara
- Legend of the headless mule
- Legend of Boitatá
- Legend of the Golden Mother
- Legend of the pink dolphin
- Werewolf legend
