#brazilian native folklore
Worldwide Bestiary — Anhangá
Anhangá(orAhiag̃) is a spirit from brazilian native folklore, more specific from the indigenous tribes tupi and Mawé. It’s a shapeshifting spirit, but his most common form is known as a white deer with red eyes; his other forms include human shape and other animals. According to each form the Anhangá takes, he has a different name in tupi language.
It’s said that Anhangá is a protector of the nature. He hunts and punish those who hunt animals in it’s territory, some even say that he kills people and feast on their bodies. The main sign he is near is an acute whistle before he takes the hunt to him, then he makes the hunter have visions, fever and cause even madness in his victims. According to some local legends, you can also ask for the help of Anhangá if you are being pursued by a wild animal by screaming “Valha-me Anhangá!”. Others say it’s possible to have a deal with him, offering good tobacco in exchange for one successful hunt in his territory.
The Jesuit used the word Anhangá to refer to the Christian demon. This was because of Anhangá (which means “old soul”) is similar to the term “Anhanguera”, which means “old devil”.
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