Boitatá

Image description: The image is a photograph of a snake engulfed in flames. The snake is at the center of the image, with its head turned to the left and its body curved into an "S" shape. It is surrounded by fire sparks that spread out in every direction, creating a vibrant and intense effect. The background is dark, further highlighting the glow of the fire and the scaly texture of the snake's skin.

Originating from Tupi culture, Boitatá is one of the best-known characters in Brazilian folklore. In Brazil's contemporary history, it is generally in preschool that we first learn the legend of a good little snake that turns into fire to protect forests and rivers from hunters and evil men. However, the legend, or the "figure," of Boitatá, was recorded by a chronicler in sixteenth-century historical sources only once, in a few sentences.

It is thanks to Father Anchieta that we have proof of how snakes were perceived and feared in Tupi mythology. In a letter from São Vicente dated 1560, he reports on a Tupi entity that claims to be Mbaé (thing) Tatá (fire), "thing of fire", "that which is all fire". The "baetatá" occurred "máxime nas praias" mainly on the beaches, because these beings "live for the most part near the sea and rivers" and of it "nothing else is seen but a glimmering torch running here and there". According to Anchieta, the thing of fire "swiftly attacks the Indians and kills them, like the curupiras, though what it truly is remains unknown for certain".

Image description: This is a painting depicting three human figures in a natural setting. The central figure is lying on the grass, with arms raised and legs crossed. On the left, there is a standing female figure with long hair, wearing a blue skirt. On the right, there is a male figure with dark skin, red hair, and a beard, who appears to be interacting with the central figure. The background features trees and dense vegetation, suggesting a forest setting. The predominant colors are shades of green, brown, and blue.

With this account, we can gather that the "baetatá" were entities the Tupi feared, since the "baetatá" could even kill without any apparent reason. According to this single record, "all fire" was not exactly a snake, but a trail of light.

Image description: This is an illustration of a mysterious and dramatic scene. On the left side, we see a dense forest with tall trees and green leaves. In the center, there is a large circle of fire that appears to be forming or expanding. On the right, more fire illuminates the scene. In the foreground, a small boat sits still on the water, with a human figure seated in it, looking toward the circle of fire. The figure is dressed in simple clothing and appears to be watching the scene attentively.

In 1566, during the battles for the conquest and defense of Guanabara, a massive ambush of Tupinambá canoes became known for being aborted after all the gunpowder was accidentally burned on one of the Portuguese boats. The Tupinambás were impressed by the blaze of fire produced and retreated from an attack that would have been victorious given the disproportion of the contingents in combat. A fearsome sign of “baetatá” saved the Portuguese from the massacre.

Later, in the 20th century, historian Luís da Câmara Cascudo concluded that the legends of the boitatá and the "thing of fire" might be associated with what was then the unexplainable natural phenomenon known as "will-o'-the-wisp." This is the natural combustion of decomposing organic matter which, upon accumulating methane and phosphine, ignites spontaneously in the air upon contact with oxygen, causing the gases to burn. It is a flash of light and fire that can be seen at sea, in rivers, mangroves, and places with large amounts of buried organic matter, such as landfills and cemeteries.

Image description: This is an illustration of a mysterious forest. On the left side, we see large, mossy tree trunks. In the center, a stream flows gently between stones covered in green moss. On the right, a large curved trunk stands out, with a yellow opening that looks like a window into another dimension. The background is full of golden lights that seem to be floating in the air, creating an enchanted atmosphere.

For those close to the phenomenon, the instinctive reaction is to run, but the displacement of air ends up pulling the flame closer, giving the perception that the "spirit," the ghost, or the Boitatá is chasing the person. It's possible to actually die of fright, after all, even though it may have a scientific explanation, we'll always see a Boitatá behind us.