Saci

Saci is a mythological character created in Brazilian folklore. There are some different details in the stories told about Saci. He has a few different names such as Saci Pererê, Saci Trique, and Saçurá. There are a few differences in these 3 versions such as skin color and eye color. Saci Pererê is said to be black, Saci Trique is said to be more of a light brown color, and Saçurá is said to have red eyes.

Saci is a child-like character with darker skin and only one leg. He always wears a red elf-like hat on his head that gives him certain magical powers such as the ability to disappear and reappear where ever he wants. In many versions, Saci is said to smoke a pipe and also has the ability to change into a bird.

In most parts of Brazil, Saci is considered an irritating jokester who likes to cause problems where ever he goes. Some examples of some little pranks Saci loves to do are hiding toys, tipping over salt in the kitchen, freeing farm animals, souring milk, turnig nails point side up, dulling sewing needles, and more. Pretty much if anything goes wrong, you can blame it on Saci. If a kernel of popcorn does not pop, it is most likely Saci who prevented it from happening.

It is said that if some is being pursued by Saci, one only has to either cross a stream or river or drop a handful of knotted ropes. Saci cannot cross water or else he will lose all his powers and if he sees a knotted rope, he is compelled to stop and untied the knot. Also, if someone succeeds in stealing Saci’s red cap, he can have a wish granted by Saci.

Saci most likely came from Tupi-Guarani mythology. Later the myth changed over time by slaves brought over from Africa that would tell stories of Saci to children to either frighten or entertain them. In this course of story telling, the character Saci developed the characteristics now famous today in Brazil, such as one leg, red cap, dark skin, and smokes a pipe.

Saci has had an impact on in modern Brazilian culture. He has been in a popular children’s book that was written by a famous Brazilian author named Monteiro Lobato. Some comic book characters have been created that were highly influenced by the Saci character. Also Saci is the mascot for a Brazilian soccer team called the Sports Club International of Porte Alegre.