Cryptid Vault
Caipora

Caipora

Also known as: Kaapora, Caapora

Brazilian hunters know this forest spirit punishes anyone who takes more than they need.

First Reported

Pre-colonial Tupi oral tradition

Origin Area

Brazilian rainforest

Size

3-4 feet tall

Temperament

Protective of wildlife, punitive toward overhunters

Status

Folklore

Folklore onlyMedium DangerSouth AmericaForest

The Lore

The Caipora is a forest-dwelling entity from Tupi-Guarani mythology in Brazil. Described as a small, hairy, red-haired humanoid that rides wild pigs, it protects the animals and plants of the forest. Hunters who kill more than necessary are said to be driven mad or hopelessly lost by the Caipora. The creature is still invoked in rural Brazilian communities as a warning against ecological greed.

Body Type

Humanoid

Folklore Origin

Indigenous tradition

Media Appearances

  • Brazilian folklore collections

Similar Real Animals

Red howler monkeyPygmy marmoset