Cabra Cabriola, was a kind of goat, half beast, half monster. In Pernambuco, the myth dates from late-19th century and early-20th century. This myth also occurs in other states in the Northeast, such as Alagoas, Sergipe and Bahia.
Legend[]
It was an animal that made any boy shiver just to hear about it. It spewed fire and smoke from its eyes, nose and mouth. It attacked anyone who walked the deserted streets on Friday nights. But the worst thing was that Cabra Cabriola entered the houses through the roof or door, looking for naughty and mischievous children, and with its hoarse and otherworldly voice, it sang more or less like this, when it arrived:
| “ | I am Cabra Cabriola, Who eats kids in pairs, And I will eat you too, A few little oldies... |
” |
In the house of an obedient kid, good for their mother, who didn't pee in their bed, and wasn't naughty, Cabra Cabriola didn't even come close. But when in the silence of the night, the cry of some child is heard, it is said that Cabra Cabriola was devouring some naughty child. The best thing at that time was to pray the Our Father.
Considered more feared than the Lobisomem and the Mula Sem Cabeça, which are myths coming from outside for much longer, Cabra Cabriola would soon become the solace of mothers, since they didn't have to work very hard to make their children take the heading to bed early in the morning. For the little ones it was the biggest nightmare.
Modern Depictions[]
Comic Books[]
- Turma da Mônica: Lendas Brasileiras - Cabra Cabriola (ISBN 85-3942-211-5) is an issue that uses Mauricio de Souza's Monica's Gang IP to teach its legend.