Kapre: The Smoker in the Tree
The Giant of the Acacia
In Philippine folklore, the Kapre is a tree demon of imposing stature. He is a giant, standing 7 to 9 feet tall, muscular, and horrifyingly hairy. His skin is usually brown or black, blending perfectly with the bark of the ancient trees he inhabits (specifically Balete, Acacia, and Mango trees). Unlike the Aswang which is purely predatory, the Kapre is an observer. He sits high in the branches, watching the humans below.
The Eternal Cigar
The Kapre is defined by his smell. The tobacco is supernatural. It never burns ash and the tip glows red like a distant firefly in the night. The smell of strong, unburnt tobacco in the middle of a forest is the primary sign that you are in his territory.
The Trickster
The Kapre enjoys disorientation.
- Looping: He can enchant travelers so they walk in circles (na-enkanto). No matter which path they take, they return to the same tree.
- The Cure: To break the spell, one must remove their shirt and wear it inside out. This act of absurdity confuses the spirit and breaks the loop.
The Romance
Kapres are prone to obsession. They often fall in love with human women. A Kapre may follow a woman for her entire life, remaining invisible to everyone but her. If a Kapre gives you a smooth white stone (Mutya), you become invisible to others but bonded to him. It is a gift of isolation.
The Final Warning
Ancient Acacias are not just trees; they are watchtowers. If you walk past one at night and smell the rich, heavy scent of unburnt tobacco, do not look up into the branches. You might see the glowing cherry of a cigar that never ashes, and the eyes of a giant who has been waiting for you to notice him, but he is watching you.
