Caipora

Another mythological character created from Brazilian folklore is Caipora. Caipora has a few different names including Curupira, Caiçara, Pai do Mato, Mãe do Mato, Caapora, and Anhanga. The origin of Caipora is also of Tupi-Guarani mythology in the Southeastern area of Brazil and later spread out to all around Brazil.

Caipora is said to have green skin and teeth, flaming red hair, and his feet are turned backwards so that when he leaves footprints on the ground, those pursuing him, most likely irate hunters, will go in the wrong direction. He is the protector of the forest and is very powerful and very strong. He mainly protects the trees and animals from hunters and also has the ability to restore life to animals. It is also said that Caipora likes to punish hunters by changing their wife and kids into animals that they will hunt and kill without knowing they are actually loved ones. In some versions of this myth it is said that Caipora is actually the father of Saci.

Caipora also has had some influence in modern day culture. In a TV series called BeastMaster it portrays a female version of Caipora. She has green skin, backwards feet and protects the forest and animals that live there. One difference is that she does not have firey red hair like the Brazilian legend says Caipora does.