Jufos

Jufos is a term used in speculative fiction and internet folklore to describe a fictional class of forest-dwelling beings. In most depictions, jufos are diminutive, about the size of a small fox or a house cat; they are shy, nocturnal, and reclusive. They are typically described as having soft fur that shimmers in moonlight and bioluminescent eyes that glow a pale blue. Diet commonly includes forest fruits, seeds, and fungi. In some narratives they exhibit rudimentary problem-solving and use simple tools, while in others they communicate through quiet gestures or telepathic empathy rather than speech.

The origin of the name is uncertain; the term emerged in online forums and microfiction communities in the late 2010s and spread through fan art, writing prompts, and role-playing games. Variations exist in depictions, with some authors granting jufos authority over small territories within woods or allegorical roles as guardians of eco-systems. In popular culture they appear in short stories, webcomics, and tabletop RPG settings; they are often portrayed as benign, curious, and non-threatening to humans, though myths may recount mischievous pranks.

Cultural significance and usage of jufos center on their function as writing prompts and artistic subjects, as well as friendly non-human allies in fantasy settings. They are commonly presented as symbols of forest resilience and the mystery of nature, inviting imaginative exploration without anchoring to a single canonical canon.

See also cryptids, folklore, urban legends, internet folklore.