Jose Nevarez

Explore the Jumbee tradition found across parts of the Caribbean, where the word can refer to ghosts, spirits and supernatural beings in local folklore.

Explore the Lagahoo legend of Trinidad and Tobago, a shapeshifting night creature in Caribbean folklore whose appearance changes across oral traditions.

Learn what “duppy” means in Jamaican folklore, how ghost stories vary, and why duppy traditions remain important in language, music and storytelling.

Explore Jamaica’s Rolling Calf legend, a frightening figure in duppy folklore often described with glowing eyes, chains and nighttime encounters.

Explore how Anansi, the West African spider trickster, became Anancy across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean through oral storytelling, migration and resistance.

Learn the Douen legend of Trinidad and Tobago, child spirits described with backward-facing feet who appear in forest warnings and oral tradition.

Explore the Mama Dlo or Mama Glo water-spirit legend of Trinidad and the Caribbean, including river folklore, protective themes and cultural meaning.

Learn the Papa Bois legend of Trinidad and Tobago, a forest guardian said to protect wildlife and punish hunters who disrespect the woods.