Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: 16th Century to present

Geographic Range: The forests of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina

Diet: Anyone who disrespects the forest

Horde: Latin American

Cursing any who dare harm the forest it lives in, the Boitatá is a flaming serpent rooted in Brazilian culture. It can also be found in Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina but siting suggest it predominantly resides in the forest caves in Brazil.

This giant fiery snake is a protector spirit, looking over the lands it inhabits. While “protector” generally fills you with positive emotions and makes you feel safe around this creature, the second you bring harm upon nature, it will unleash its quite literal flaming wrath upon you.

Our field agents have reported that stories from colonial times described the Boitatá as a normal snake originally. But as woodsmen and loggers encroached upon its territory, it turned nasty. And rightfully so in our humble opinion. One tale we read claimed that the Boitatá killed many trespassers and as it ate their eyes first (its favorite delicacy), their brightness is what helped it become a burning beacon of climate justice.

Other reports claim that it is able to control its fiery appearance, with the power to douse the flames long enough to disguise itself as a fallen tree trunk. However, once you catch sight of those ember-like eyes, it’s likely too late for you. A wise strategy might be to embrace the role of a climate warrior before the Boitatá reduces you to ash, leaving your remains to enrich the forest soil.

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