Tradition: Tucano Mythology, Colombian Mythology
Alternative Names: The Pale Ones
Category: Forest dweller
The Myth
The Boraro is a terrifying forest monster from the mythology of the Tucano people of Colombia. It resembles a grotesque, towering humanoid, so tall that it reaches the size of a tree. Its skin is pale, but its enormous body is covered in thick black fur. It has large ears that point forward, fearsome fangs, and enormous pendulous genitals. Its feet face backwards, making it difficult for anyone pursuing it to determine which direction it has travelled. Despite its monstrous appearance, the Boraro serves as a protector of wildlife, defending the creatures of the forest from those who threaten them.
The Boraro possesses a horrifying method of killing its victims. Its urine is lethally poisonous, making even contact with its bodily fluids dangerous. If it catches a person in its powerful embrace, it crushes their flesh until it becomes pulp, while leaving their skin and bones unbroken. It then creates a small hole in the victim’s head and sucks out the pulped flesh. Afterward, it inflates the victim’s empty skin like a balloon and sends the unfortunate person back home in a dazed condition. The victim eventually dies from the encounter, leaving the Boraro’s attack concealed behind a seemingly intact body.
Despite its immense strength, the Boraro has several weaknesses that allow people to escape. It has no joints in its knees, making it extremely difficult for the creature to stand up again if it falls. A person can place their hands inside its backwards-facing footprints, causing its legs to stiffen and forcing it to collapse temporarily. Another method is to run backwards while facing the monster, confusing it and making it harder for the Boraro to pursue its prey. The creature can also be placated with offerings of tobacco, which may persuade it to leave a person unharmed.
Sources
“Colombian folklore.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombian_folklore