Boitatá
(pronounced: Boy-tah-TAH)
Giant serpents can be found in the histories of almost every civilization on Earth, and Brazilian history is no exception. The Boitatá, a serpent of immense proportions, is one of Brazil’s oldest and most famous monsters. Its name comes from the Tupi words “mboi” (snake) and “tata” (fire), and it was known throughout Brazil long before Europeans ever set foot there.
The Boitatá appears only at night, and always covered in a glowing blue flame. The flame burns flesh but not foliage, and cannot be doused. In fact, the creature hides at the bottom of lakes and rivers during the day.
When someone gets close enough to see through the serpent’s flame (an unfortunate case indeed!), they see the scales beneath shimmering in many colors, like a rainbow in a watery mist. Globes of fire burn in place of eyes, and those who make eye contact with the beast go mad.
In “The Fortuitous Meeting of Gerard van Oost and Oludara”, Antonio Dias Caldas and Diego tell of their battle against this amazing serpent.