Kurupi
Kurupi is a figure in Guaraní mythology. He is one of
the seven monstrous children of Tau and Kerana, and as such is one of the
central legendary figures in the region of Guaraní speaking cultures. He is
also one of the few figures still prominent in the modern culture of the region. Kurupi is said to be somewhat similar in appearance to
another, more popular figure from Guaraní mythology, the Pombero. Like the
Pombero, Kurupi is said to be short, ugly, and hairy. He makes his home in the
wild forests of the region, and was considered to be the lord of the forests and
protector of wild animals. Kurupi’s most distinctive feature, however, was an
enormous penis that was ordinarily wound several times around his waist like a
belt. Due to this feature, he was at one time revered by the Guaraní as the
spirit of fertility. Much like the Pombero, Kurupi is often blamed for unexpected or unwanted pregnancies. His penis is said to be prehensile, and owing to its length he is supposed to be able to extend it through doors, windows, or other openings in a |
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home and impregnate a sleeping woman without
even having to enter the house. Together with the Pombero, Kurupi was a
scapegoat used by adulterous women to avoid the wrath of their husbands, or by
single women to explain their pregnancies. Children fathered by the Kurupi were
expected to be small, ugly and hairy much like their father, and if male to
inherit something of their father’s virility. In some cases, Kurupi is blamed
with the disappearance of young women, supposedly stealing them away to his home
in the forest for use in satiating his libidinous desires. The legend of Kurupi has faded somewhat in comparison
to the Pombero, and figures more often as part of old tales. Rarely is he blamed
with impregnating women anymore, although he is sometimes used to try and
frighten young girls into being chaste. |