Curupira
Legendary forest guardian from Brazilian Tupi-Guarani folklore who protects the Amazon rainforest and its wildlife from greedy hunters and loggers. Described as a dwarf-like being with bright red or orange hair and backward-facing feet that confuse trackers by leaving footprints pointing in the wrong direction. First documented by Jesuit missionary José de Anchieta in 1560, the Curupira uses illusions, high-pitched whistles, and misdirection to lead wrongdoers in circles until they are hopelessly lost in the jungle