Boitatá

CreatureBrazil · South AmericaLegendFear 7/10

Description

세계 설화에 등장하는 Creature. Boitatá (from Tupi language), in Brazilian native folklore, refers to either a will-o'-the-wisp, a m

The Legend

Boitatá is described as a fire snake or a creature resembling an ox in Brazilian indigenous legend. According to this legend, Boitatá serves to prevent humans from setting fire to fields or forests. Boitatá sometimes transforms into a burning log to burn arsonists to death. This legend is particularly well-known in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where Boitatá is regarded as the guardian of the fields and forests. The legend of Boitatá is sometimes depicted as a feminine entity, appearing as a black snake or a large serpent, said to have two lighthouse-like glowing eyes.

Variants

Boitatá is known by various names depending on the region. In southern-central Brazil, it is called 'Baitatá' or 'Batata', while in Bahia it is referred to as 'Biatatá', in Minas Gerais as 'Batatal', and in São Paulo as 'Biatatá' or 'Batatang'. In the states of Sergipe and Alagoas, it is known as 'Jean de la foice' or 'Jean Delafosse', and in Itamaracá, it is referred to as 'João Galafuz'.

In Popular Culture

In modern popular culture, Boitatá is being reinterpreted in various forms. Manuel Filhu's children's book 'Quem Tem Medo do Boitatá?' (2007) contains a story where the protagonist's grandfather becomes blind due to Boitatá. Additionally, José Santos' 'O casamento do Boitatá com a Mula-sem-cabeça' (2007) combines the story of Boitatá with a headless mule (Mula Sem Cabeça). Marco Aurélio's 'A lenda do Batatão' (2012) features 'Batatang', which possesses the burning characteristics of Boitatá, and Alexandra Pericão's anthology 'Uaná and other legends' (2011) depicts Boitatá in a modern way.

This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Boitatá" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia