Amazonian Folklore

There is an ancient myth from the Amazon, first documented in writing by José de Anchieta in 1560 and discovered by me yesterday in a book Molly loaned me: Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle by Daniel L. Everett.

It concerns a demon that the native Pirahí£ call Curupira. Most commonly Curupira is described as a dwarf with long, red hair. He dwells deep in the rainforest.

His most notable characteristic is his greatest weapon: his feet are backward. When he emerges from the jungle, he leaves footprints that lead deeper into it. People who are lost follow his trail in hopes of finding their way out, only to be trapped further.

He also has the skill of ventriloquism. From the margins of safety he calls people further into the forest.

One comment

  1. I’m glad you’re enjoying my book (presumably)! Isn’t it fun?

    I love you. Like delicate spring tendrils of blossomed jonquil.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *