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Uirapuru is a legend from the native Brazilian mythology.

Legend[]

Uirapuru was once a young native-Brazilian boy in love with a beautiful woman. They both loved each other, but she was already married to the cacique of their tribe, therefore he couldn't approach her. But his heart spoke louder and Uirapuru decided to call her on a date. Unfortunately, one day, the cacique caught them together and expelled the young man from the community.

To alleviate his suffering, the Uirapuru begged the god Tupã to help him. Tupã sympathized with his tragedy and transformed him into a musician wren, a 12-centimeter-long brown bird that sings a perfect and beautifully crafted melody a few times a year.

Then, Uirapuru returned to the village where he enchanted everyone with his music, especially the chief who was so fascinated that he started chasing the bird to imprison it and have his song all to himself. In his eagerness to capture the bird, the chief got lost in the forest. Thus, with Tupã's blessing, Uirapuru could once again be close to his love.

Modern Depictions[]

Literature[]

  • Turma da MĆ“nica Lendas Brasileiras - Uirapuru (ISBN 85-3942-219-0) uses MaurĆ­cio de Sousa's "Turma da MĆ“nica" IP to re-tell the legend.

Gallery[]