Jawnomicon

Kapre

Also called Kafre.

In Philippine folklore, the Kapre is a giant, dark-skinned, cigar-smoking tree spirit that dwells in large old trees and toys with travelers by making them lose their way, while sometimes acting as a quieter guardian of the tree it inhabits.

At a glance

Tradition
Philippine folklore
Region
Philippines (place of origin)
Trait family
The False Guides

Near this figure

Traits

Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.

Form

Behaviour

  • Confuses travelers into losing their way
    why

    travelers who wander near its tree, especially at dusk, may find themselves disoriented, walking in circles, or unable to find a path they knew well, a state of confusion popularly described in the Philippines as being "nililigaw" or led astray by an unseen spirit.

  • Offended by disrespect to dwelling
    why

    Some tellings hold that the Kapre singles out people who show it disrespect, such as urinating on or damaging its tree, while treating those who acknowledge it politely, for instance by saying "tabi-tabi po" before passing, with relative indifference or even mild protectiveness.

Sight and sound

  • Cigar smoke announces presence
    why

    It is most often pictured sitting in the tree's branches smoking an oversized cigar or tabako, with the glow of its smoke and the smell of tobacco said to be one of the surest signs that a Kapre has taken up residence nearby.

Curses

  • Confuses travelers
    why

    travelers who wander near its tree, especially at dusk, may find themselves disoriented, walking in circles, or unable to find a path they knew well, a state of confusion popularly described in the Philippines as being "nililigaw" or led astray by an unseen spirit.

Roles

Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.