Popular myths: the most famous in Brazil and the world

How about finding out a little more about the most popular myths in Brazil and the rest of the world? Here you will learn about the best ones.

It's very likely that if you're over 25 years old, you've heard a story that your grandparents told you about some popular myth that was very famous when they were younger, right?

At school, there are many myths that are studied, because they are so famous that they tend to be part of Brazilian culture and can also have an influence on many other areas, especially art.

Popular myths are common in all countries of the world and many of them emerged many years ago through people who experienced some situation or had a lot of creativity, after all, it was necessary to have it since there was no internet and no way to entertain yourself, so it was a way to pass the time.

Brazil is a country very rich in stories, so you probably already know some of these popular myths, including most of them being part of Brazilian folklore, but did you know that there is much more behind these stories than we actually know? And there are very cool popular myths in the rest of the world that sometimes we have no idea about.

So, how about getting to know some of the most famous popular myths from Brazil and the world all in one place? Let's go?

What is a popular myth?

You may have heard about popular myths, but that doesn't mean you know exactly what it is or what defines whether or not it is a popular myth, so let's find out everything about this expression.

A folk myth is a traditional narrative that originates in the culture of a particular group of people and has been transmitted over time through tradition, whether spoken or written.

These narratives often have fantastic, magical, supernatural or explanatory elements that seek to give meaning to the world, society and human experiences.

These folk myths are shared within a community and play a significant role in transmitting the values, beliefs, customs and cultural identity of a particular group. 

They can involve gods, heroes, talking animals, natural elements and historical events interpreted in a symbolic way.

Popular myths can address universal themes, such as the creation of the world, the origin of humanity, the explanation of natural phenomena, morality, interpersonal relationships and life lessons. 

They also serve to teach, entertain, and preserve a community's history and culture across generations.

3 popular myths from Brazil

Now that you are more familiar with the term popular myth, it is time to learn about some of the most famous Brazilian popular myths.

headless mule

The Headless Mule is a Brazilian and Latin American legend. The legend tells the story of Ana, a woman who was cursed for the sin of having had intimate relations with a priest, although no punishment was given to the priest.

The woman who was cursed becomes a mule with a head of fire that blazes from its head. The curse lasts from sunset on Thursday until the third crow of the rooster on Friday morning. It is also said that the mule makes a sound that is almost a cry for help.

Saci Perere

Saci Pererê is a figure from Brazilian folklore, known for his pranks and unique characteristics. Legend has it that he is a small being with only one leg, a red cap and a pipe in his mouth.

It is said that, a long time ago, in a Brazilian village, there lived a young Indian named Peri. He was known for his pranks and mischief that delighted everyone. However, Peri accidentally got caught in a trap, losing one of his legs.

After the incident, he became Saci Pererê, a magical and mischievous being who loves to play tricks on people and play with his victims. Always on the move, Saci creates whirlwinds and scares travelers with his whistles.

Iara

Iara was an indigenous warrior who was much loved by her people, but was almost killed by her brothers out of envy, but managed to win the fight and kill them. When Iara's father found out, he punished the girl by throwing her into the river, but the fish took her to the surface and she became a beautiful mermaid.

Legend has it that Iara lives in the waters of the Amazon rivers and that she is also known as Mother of Water.

She has long dark hair and an enchanting song that attracts men. Legend has it that when men hear her song, they are hypnotized and drawn to the depths of rivers, where she drowns them. 

Popular myths from other countries

Now let's learn about some popular myths in other countries.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Germany

In the town of Hamelin, Germany, the Pied Piper was hired to rid the town of rats. After the service, the townspeople refused to pay, so the Pied Piper played his flute, taking the town's children to a mountain, where they mysteriously disappeared.

The Legend of the Golden Knight, Belgium

In Belgium, there is a legend about a knight covered in gold who lives deep within a castle. Those who find him must face challenges and prove their courage to obtain the riches he holds. 

However, greed can lead to its curse, turning gold into a heavy and eternal burden, teaching about the dangers of avarice and the importance of humility.

The Wishing Tree, Israel

In Israel, there is an ancient magical tree that grants wishes. Legend has it that whoever touches it with sincerity and humility will have their wishes granted. But greed and vanity can have dire consequences, reminding us of the importance of moderation and gratitude.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, United States

In a village in the United States, the Headless Horseman, a decapitated soldier, haunts the night, searching for his missing head. He terrifies the villagers, especially Professor Ichabod Crane. The legend warns of the dangers of greed and fear.

The Legend of the Crocodile and the Elephant, South Africa

In South Africa, elephants were friends with crocodiles. One day, a crocodile betrayed their friendship, resulting in distrust between them. The elephant, hurt by the betrayal, decided to never trust crocodiles completely again. This legend highlights the importance of trust and the lasting effects of betrayal, warning about the need for discernment in relationships.

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