The Caipora, the Ciguapa and the Kalonoro

In South America, particularly Brazil, legends talk of the Caipora. A mythical being that is very mischievous, it sometimes becomes part fox and part human, and can have a large black mane.

Folklore tells of the way the Caipora defend the jungle by causing all kinds of problems to those who show disrespect to the forest. Whether they damage trees or hunt animals, the Caipora will, in one way or another, make the person responsible pay for their actions. The hunter may get separated from others in the group and become lost, or they may find their used traps have caught nothing. The Caipora spirits also appear to wanderers, travellers, even holidaymakers, who may experience a ‘haunted’ feel whenever the spirit is around. It is also said that the Caipora’s feet face backwards to confuse anyone who may feel particularly brave and want to track them. They do, however, look favourably upon those who look after the forest and all the animals within.

In another part of the world, Madagascar this time, a legend exists there also. Another with backward-facing feet, these spirits are known as the Kalonoro, or Wild Men.

The Kalonoro have a very strange appearance. They are short, have big, glowing eyes, and very long beards. They too haunt hunter’s campfires, but instead of being intent on causing mischief like the Caipora, the Kalonoro just want to spread fear. And by all accounts, they do it very well.

And in the Dominican Republic, another legend of folk with backward-facing feet exists. Woman-like this time, with brown or dark blue skin and very long black manes. These women are usually naked, but wear their hair in such a way that their bodies are covered. They are known as the Ciguapa and they live high up in the mountains.

The Ciguapa seem duplicitous. Stunningly beautiful to some, hideously ugly to others. Like the Caipora, they cause confusion with their backward facing footprints, and one must never, ever look one in the eye. Doom to the beholder, it is said. Apparently. They are magical creatures, and have some kind of link to the mermaid, although they are land-living. They enchant their victims, have their, ahem, wicked way, and then, presumably after the victim has looked them in the eye, well, bring doom to the beholder… permanently.

Legends of creatures dotted around the world, all with backward feet. The Caipora, the Ciguapa and the Kalonoro. Spreading mischief, murder and fear.

Mischief, murder and fear. Sometimes, the basis of legends in themselves.