Boitat

The Boitatá (pronounced [bojtaˈta]) is a legendary creature from Brazilian folklore, often described as a giant, fiery serpent or a ball of fire that protects the forests and punishes those who harm them. The name "Boitatá" is derived from the Tupi language, where "mboi" means "snake" and "tatá" means "fire." In Hebrew, it can be translated as בויטטא, maintaining the original pronunciation. The creature is a prominent figure in the oral traditions of the Brazilian countryside, particularly in the northeastern region. According to legend, the Boitatá was created when a large tree was struck by lightning, and its sap ignited, forming the fiery serpent. The Boitatá is said to chase and punish those who set fires to the forests, such as cattle herders who use fire to clear land for grazing. This myth serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of environmental conservation and respect for nature.