Curupiras

The Curupiras are small, red-haired, forest-dwelling spirits native to Brazil. They are best known for their role as the fierce protectors of the students and grounds of the Castelobruxo School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. All known information about them comes from supplementary materials outside of the original seven novels.

The Curupiras inhabit the rainforest that surrounds the wizarding school Castelobruxo. They have established a symbiotic relationship with the school, acting as its guardians. They are described as being exceptionally mischievous and tricky, but will emerge from the forest to confront any human or creature they perceive as a threat to the students. Their presence serves as a powerful deterrent to trespassers and those who would harm the school's inhabitants. (Pottermore)

Curupiras are described as small, spiritual beings with distinctive red hair. Their most notable physical characteristic is that their feet are attached backwards, a feature which serves to confuse and mislead anyone attempting to track them by their footprints. (Pottermore) While generally mischievous, their core personality trait is a fierce loyalty and protectiveness towards the students of Castelobruxo. They are wary of outsiders and can be hostile towards those they deem a threat. (Pottermore)

As magical spirits, Curupiras possess innate magical qualities. Their primary documented abilities are:

• Deception: Their backwards feet are a natural defence mechanism, creating misleading tracks that send pursuers in the opposite direction. (Pottermore)
• Guardianship: They have an uncanny ability to sense threats to Castelobruxo and its students, coordinating to emerge from the forest as a formidable defensive force. (Pottermore)

As forest-dwelling spirits, Curupiras are not known to use or own any possessions, tools, or clothing.

The Curupiras maintain a positive and protective relationship with the students and staff of Castelobruxo. They coexist peacefully with the school community, serving as its unofficial guardians. Conversely, they are hostile towards Muggles or any other intruders who venture too close to the school with ill intent. (Pottermore)

The name and description of the Curupiras are directly taken from Brazilian folklore. The Curupira (Tupi-Guarani: kurupira, meaning “child's body”) is a mythological figure from Tupi-Guarani mythology who protects the forests. He is typically depicted as a boy with red or fiery hair and, most famously, with his feet turned backwards to confuse hunters and travellers.

Curupiras are not mentioned in the original seven *Harry Potter* novels. All information about them comes from J.K. Rowling's writings on the Pottermore (now Wizarding World) website, specifically in the entry for Castelobruxo. (Pottermore)