Watching over trees, directing herds of wild boars, startling deer and pacas, whistling shrilly, the slender and twisted figure of Curupira passes by, the liveliest of the tropical forest gods.— CASCUDO, L. Geography of Brazilian Myths.
Have you heard of Curupira? This mystical entity is one of the oldest and most fascinating figures in Brazilian folklore. Known as the tireless protector of forests, Curupira is a legend that transcends generations, carrying with it stories of nature protection and respect for the environment. Let's explore the origin, characteristics, and importance of this emblematic character.
Curupira is considered the guardian of forests, swamps, and woods. With his feet turned backward, he confuses those who try to disrespect nature, causing them to get lost in his domains. He is especially strict with those who cause predatory damage to the forest and its inhabitants, particularly pregnant females and animals with young.
Origin
Curupira, whose name derives from Tupi-Guarani and means "boy's body" — from curu, an abbreviation of curumi, and pira, which means "body" — is a mythical figure considered the protective genius of the forests. In indigenous culture, he is seen as a spirit that acts benevolently or malevolently according to the behavior of those who enter his territory. The legend of Curupira is among the oldest in Brazilian folklore, with deep indigenous roots, although its specific creation is difficult to pinpoint. It was first recorded in Brazil in 1560 by the Jesuit priest José de Anchieta, who described Curupira in a unique way.
As reported by Anchieta, the indigenous people believed that Curupira, whom they called "a certain demon," frequently punished those who disrespected the forest: "It is a known thing and runs from mouth to mouth that there are certain demons, which the Brazilians call Corupira, who attack the Indians many times in the woods, whip them, bruise them, and kill them. Our Brothers are witnesses to this, who have sometimes seen those killed by them. For this reason, the Indians are accustomed to leave on a certain path, which through rough thickets leads to the interior of the lands, on the summit of the highest mountain, when they pass by here, bird feathers, fans, arrows, and other similar things, as a kind of oblation, fervently begging the Curupiras not to harm them" (Anchieta, 1560, Letter from São Vicente).
Portuguese explorers who arrived in Brazil in the following centuries also recorded their impressions of this figure, observing how the legend spread through different regions and varied according to locality. These records reinforce the idea that Curupira was recognized from North to South, assuming specific names and characteristics according to local cultures.
Curupiras are known to appreciate items that do not exist in their original dimension, such as tobacco, spirits, and small objects they find intriguing. These offerings, when left by those entering the forest, can ensure safe passage under Curupira's vigilance. Additionally, there is a series of "forest laws" established by Curupira, such as the prohibition of hunting on Sunday afternoons and hunting beyond what is necessary. Those who disrespect these rules are physically punished, although without visible marks, but with sufficient intensity to maintain the memory.
Characteristics
Curupira is a magical and protective figure of the forests in Brazilian folklore, with the appearance of a young man of short stature, tanned skin, and hair in intense shades of red, orange, and yellow. His most notable characteristic is the position of his feet, turned backward, which confuses tracks and drives away those who try to follow him. In some versions, he appears with red hair, green teeth, or even enormous ears, symbolizing his diversity of forms and powers.
Curupira's abilities go beyond his physical aspect; he uses tricks and illusions to disorient hunters and forest invaders. His shrill and deafening whistle confuses victims and leaves them lost, unable to identify where the sound is coming from. Furthermore, he is capable of disguising himself as animals such as pacas and jaguars, attracting hunters into the interior of the forest, where they end up getting lost. By striking his heels against trees, Curupira makes them more resistant and alerts animals to possible dangers, reinforcing his role as guardian of the forest.
Coming from a mythical land called Pindorama, Curupira crosses into the human world through trees that function as portals. He lives on fruits, leaves, and fungi, maintaining a natural balance without the need for hunting. Curupiras protect the forest from those who abuse natural resources, but can make agreements with people who respect nature, offering themselves as guides or warding off threats. For those who try to deceive him or destroy the forest, Curupira reserves a series of tricks and traps, reinforcing his mission to maintain harmony and protect the natural environment.
Curupira in Popular Culture
Curupira is a central figure in the legends and imagination of the inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest and rubber plantations. For many of these residents, he transcends folklore and is seen as a real and active presence, playing the role of guardian of the forests. Monteiro Lobato (1921) in his work O Saci describes Curupira as a fierce protector of the forests, highlighting his importance: "— The Curupira! — whispered the saci, when a figure appeared. — Look... He has hair and feet turned backward. — He looks like a hairy boy — murmured Pedrinho. — And that's exactly what he is. He's a hairy boy who takes care of hunting in the forests. He only allows hunters to hunt for food. Those who kill for the sake of killing, out of wickedness, and those who kill females with offspring that cannot yet live on their own, Curupira pursues without mercy." (Lobato, 1921, p. 32).
In oral tradition, Curupira is described as a generous being who guides the inhabitants of river banks and forests in times of need. He uses animals as guides to help hunters find food or the way out of the forest, being seen, in many accounts, as a "guardian angel" of natural balance. Contrary to the demonized view that some attribute to him, many residents recognize him as a symbol of generosity and justice, acting to maintain harmony between humans and nature.
Curupira is widely celebrated in folkloric festivities and represented in various literary and artistic works that reinforce his mission of protecting nature. In cultural events, he is recognized as an icon of Brazil's natural and cultural wealth. Additionally, his figure is used in environmental education programs, promoting respect for and preservation of forests and biodiversity. These initiatives make Curupira a model of harmony with nature, encouraging new generations to value and care for Brazil's ecological heritage.
Conclusion
Curupira is more than a myth; he is the personification of values of respect and protection for the environment. His legend, ancient and deeply rooted in Brazilian culture, remains relevant today, reminding us of the importance of preserving our forests and the harmony we must maintain with nature.
By knowing and sharing stories like that of Curupira, we contribute to the appreciation of our cultural heritage and to raising awareness about the urgent need to conserve the environment for future generations.
References
- ALVES, Januária Cristina. Abecedário de personagens do folclore brasileiro: e suas histórias maravilhosas, São Paulo: FTD: Edições Sesc, 2017.
- Anchieta, J. de. (1560). Carta de São Vicente.
- BRUNEL, Pierre Dicionário de Mitos Literários. 2a ed. Rio de Janeiro: José Olympio, 1998.
- CASCUDO, LuÃs da Câmara. Geografia dos Mitos Brasileiros. 2a ed. Rio de Janeiro: José Olympio/MEC/INL, 1976. (Coleção Documentos Brasileiros, v. 52).
- CASCUDO, LuÃs da. Antologia do Folclore Brasileiro. V. 1. Rio de Janeiro: Global, 2001.
- CASCUDO, L. Geografia dos Mitos Brasileiros. Belo Horizonte: Itatiaia Limitada, 1983.
- FERNANDES, F. O Folclore em Questão. São Paulo: Martins Fontes, 2003.
- LOBATO, Monteiro. O Saci. São Paulo: Brasiliense, 2005.