Filipino Folklore : The Kapre


the kapre is a philippine mythical creature that is described as a tall, dark, muscular creature that smokes cigars and lives on top of of a tree. Filipinos describe them as watchers or spectators that don't really affect a human's life in any way. The word " kapre " came from the south african term " kaffir " which is an insulting term for black Africans.

Legends about the kapre

the kapre is believed to either be a demon or a spirit, they love to scare of humans and are also said to be pranksters. The kapre also likes to indulge in human vices like smoking, gambling, and drinking. some say that if you see smoked cigars or bottles of beer at the bottom of a tree, that tree is the home of a kapre. they really are friendly creatures but if threatened, they will attack you.

If you manage to befriend a kapre, you will be able to see them and if you sit on them, others can see the kapre too.

 If a kapre is interested in a woman, they follow her until they lose interest


A friend once told a story of he's cousin, his cousin and his friends were throwing rocks at a forest to relieve some stress, the next day later, his cousin was raising his head and can't move it. his parents were worried and brought him to a doctor, They said that there was nothing wrong with him and was raising his head on purpose, The parents didn't stop tough and brought him to a professional about spirits. so they went and talked to one. The man said that a kapre is angry because they killed the kapre's son and in return he will take his cousin and let him become his son, To avoid this, they need to sacrifice and offer 2 pigs near the forest. But because it was expensive and money was already hard enough for them in the philippines, They leave it be and the next morning. his cousin died due to an unknown cause.




simply, kapres are friendly demons who lives on top of a tree, they also like to smoke cigars and drink alcohol 

Pictures Of a Kapre




  * the biggest balete tree in asia is inside  philippines, and it is also said that a kapre lives in       that tree, well if you will see the tree, you might believe it yourself.

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