Bicho-papão

Bicho-papão is an imaginary being from Portuguese and Brazilian children's mythologies, and is also present in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, such as Galicia, Catalonia and Asturias. Bicho-papão is the fear embodiment, a mutant being that can take any form; is an often monstrous child-eating being or animal. It is always on the prowl and is attracted to naughty children.

Legend
Bicho-papão, like other mythical beings like Homem do Saco and Cuca, is used by parents to scare and prevent children from disobeying. All of its representations are associated with the harm that can happen to children if they move away from or contradict their parents; the expression "behave yourself or the boogeyman will come" thus induced children to respect their parents' orders.

In Portugal, the bogeyman is the subject of an old lullaby:
 * "Vai-te, Papão, vai-te embora (Go, papão, go away)
 * de cima desse telhado, (from above that roof)
 * deixa dormir o menino (let the boy sleep)
 * um soninho descansado." (a restful dream)

In Brazil, there is the following variation of this lullaby:
 * "Bicho-papão, (Bicho-papão)
 * sai de cima do telhado (get off the roof)
 * deixe esse menino (let this boy)
 * dormir sossegado." (sleep peacefully)