The Veli of Fiji
In the forests of Fiji, people tell of the veli, small, long-haired forest beings who appear and vanish among the trees.
What was reported
In Fijian folklore, the veli are small, dwarf-like beings with long hair who live in the forests and mountains. They are said to be shy and rarely seen, but sometimes appear to people walking alone in the forest, or play music at night.
Some stories say the veli can be helpful, protecting the forest, while others say they play tricks on people who disrespect it.
Explanations offered
The veli are figures of folklore, part of a family of 'little people' stories found across the Pacific and around the world.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Viti Levu, Fiji
- Witnesses
- Fijian tradition
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.