Boi-Tatá

Boi-Tatá is also thought to have originated from the native Tupi-Guarani tribe, but this is a myth that has changed quite a bit from region to region. Commonly, however, Boi-Tatá is a serpent-like creature with enormous red eyes, is almost blind during the day, but can see perfectly in the dark. His canine teeth are said to be one sharp and one rounded.

It is said that the origin of Boi-Tatá is that of a serpent that survived a flood by living in a cave. He rested in this cave for many years and some stories even say centuries. In this cave his eyes grew larger and adapted perfectly to the darkness, but leaving him blind in the day light. When he came out of the cave he went in search of mainly dead animals, but also is known to have sometimes attacked animals and even humans.

After the flood, Boi-Tatá lived in water. In one version of the Boi-Tatá myth, it is said that he protects forests from fires and in another version it is said that he is the one that actually causes incidents to occur in the forest.

Boi-Tatá is thought to live at the bottom of lakes or large rivers. Bubbling on the surface of lakes or rivers is thought to be Boi-Tatá underwater blowing fire or breathing. Scientists have explained the legend by pointing out that gases underneath the earth causes the water to bubble on the surface.

Boi-Tatá also has had an influence in modern culture as well. Many other cultures have similar legends as Boi-Tatá and tell stories or myths of underwater creatures that attack animals or humans. A classic example of this is the Loch Ness monster of Scotland. The movie Anaconda portrays a large serpent swimming around in the Amazon that attacks humans.