The Curupira, Guardian of the Forest

Deep in the Amazon jungle lives the Curupira, a little sprite with hair red as fire and feet that point backwards, who looks after the trees and the animals.

His curious feet leave tracks that confuse: it looks like he's going when he's coming, and coming when he's going. That's how he throws off anyone who wants to harm the forest.

One day, some hunters wanted to take too many animals and cut down too many trees. The Curupira, with his whistles and tricks, sent them wandering round and round, lost.

But to anyone who entered the jungle with respect, asking only for what they needed, the Curupira kindly guided them and showed them the best paths.

Ever since, whoever visits the jungle learns to care for it, knowing that its little guardian is always watching among the leaves.