baetatá
nature_spirit water Brazilian single tradition · 1
The baetatá, meaning "thing of fire" or "that which is entirely of fire," is a spiritual entity that dwells near seas and rivers, especially encountered on beaches. It appears as a glimmering beam of light that courses towards its victims, attacking, burning, and killing them. Its deadly attacks are likened to the handiwork of the curupira, and its movement is described as resembling a serpent's undulating motion while leaving a luminous trail.
When
- First attested
- 1560 CE
- Attested period
- 1560 – 1560
- Historical notes
- Described by Father José de Anchieta in a letter dated 31 May 1560.
Relationships
- co occurs with
- curupira
Sources
wikipedia (1)
Source passages
“Father José de Anchieta described the apparition as the baetatá (meaning "thing of fire" or "that which is entirely of fire"), dwelling at most times near sea and rivers, encountered especially on beaches.”
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