This night — the moon was already dead —Anhangá prevented me from dreaming;Behold in the horrible cavern I inhabit,A hoarse voice began to call me.— The Song of the Piaga by Gonçalves Dias
Hello, explorers of legends and mysteries! Today we're going to dive into one of the oldest and most intriguing myths of Brazilian folklore: the Anhanga. Have you heard of this spirit that can appear as the most beautiful deer with fiery eyes or even as a giant armadillo? Get ready to discover the history, origin, and characteristics of this being that inhabits the imagination of various indigenous cultures and continues to fascinate to this day.
The Origin of the Myth
Anhanga is one of the oldest myths of colonial Brazil, recorded by various chroniclers and missionaries of the 16th and 17th centuries. Priests such as Manuel da Nóbrega, José de Anchieta, and Fernão Cardim described it as a malevolent entity, a spirit that brought misfortunes to those who crossed its path. European explorers like Jean de Léry referred to it as "aynghan," while Hans Staden mentioned the indigenous people's fear of a devil called "igangue".
Anhangá originates from the Tupi-Guarani word for "old soul," "evil spirit," or "demon", being used to describe protective spirits of the forest or entities linked to the world of the dead. The poet and Indianist Gonçalves Dias interpreted it as "Mbai-áiba," or "evil thing." Other scholars, such as Tastevin and Teodoro Sampaio, associated it with the souls of the deceased or a malevolent spirit. This multiplicity of meanings reflects the complexity and richness of the myth, which varies according to the region and indigenous culture.
Characteristics of Anhanga
One of the most fascinating characteristics of Anhanga is its ability to take on different forms. It can appear as a white deer with fiery eyes, an armadillo the size of a calf, or even as an invisible force that brings bad omens. In all its manifestations, it is considered a harbinger of misfortune or a protector of nature against human greed.
According to some traditions, Anhanga is a guardian spirit that protects animals and the forest from irresponsible hunters. Couto de Magalhães describes it as the "god of field hunting," who punishes those who kill nursing females or hunt beyond what is necessary. Encountering Anhanga could bring fever, madness, or even death, especially if the hunter disrespected the laws of nature.
The myth of Anhanga also represents the duality between good and evil. In some legends, it is seen as a celestial spirit that, when associated with infernal entities by the colonizers, begins to corrupt. To avoid this corruption, it divides itself into several pieces, taking refuge in the bodies of the animals it protects. Thus, it lives in fragments, converted into the forms of these animals, now known as anhangás.
Legends and Popular Narratives
In northeastern Brazil, stories circulate about hunters who pursue a mysterious white deer with fiery eyes and end up facing grim consequences. It is believed that this deer is, in fact, Anhanga, a spirit that punishes hunters for their greed or lack of respect for nature. Mandai, a legendary hunter from the regions of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, avoided hunting on Fridays, believing it was the "day of the hunted, not the hunter," a custom that reinforced respect for the natural environment.
In Tupi-Guarani mythology, Anhangá is a feared and mysterious spirit, considered the guardian of forests and animals, but also an enemy of Tupã, the powerful god of thunder and creator of the world. Anhangá is known for its ability to take the form of various animals, such as a deer with eyes of fire, with the aim of confusing and frightening hunters who dare to disrespect nature. Although it protects the beings of the forest, it opposes Tupã, and the two fought an epic battle. Tupã, with his divine strength, defeated Anhangá, condemning it to the underworld, from where it wanders as a restless and fierce entity, always lurking.
Among the Tapuia indigenous peoples of the Uaupés River, in Amazonas, there are records that Anhanga manifests itself in the form of animals which, when killed, reveal themselves to be transformed humans. In a story documented by Brandão de Amorim, a group of deer that was devastating a plantation was slaughtered, but the next day, their flesh had turned into human flesh. This episode revealed that the hunters had taken the lives of people who took the form of animals.
Conclusion
Anhanga is much more than a simple spirit or ghost; it is a complex symbol that reflects the relationship between humans and nature, good and evil, the sacred and the profane. Its stories invite us to respect the natural world and understand that our actions have consequences. As we remember Anhanga, we are encouraged to live in balance with the environment that surrounds us.
So, the next time you venture into the woods or contemplate wildlife, remember Anhanga and the valuable lessons this ancient spirit has to offer.
An enemy of Tupã, Anhangá is the protector of animals and hunters. Although it has this meaning, it is associated with evil and everything that comes from the infernal regions. It is believed that its spirit wanders freely, taking the form of wild animals and bringing bad luck to those who encounter it.
References
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- CASCUDO, Luís da. Antologia do Folclore Brasileiro. V. 1. Rio de Janeiro: Global, 2001.
- CASCUDO, L. Geografia dos Mitos Brasileiros. Belo Horizonte: Itatiaia Limitada, 1983.
- FERNANDES, F. O Folclore em Questão. São Paulo: Martins Fontes, 2003.
- SIMAS, Luiz Antonio. Bestiário Brasileiro – Monstros, Visagens e Assombrações. Bazar do Tempo São Paulo, 2024.