The Mãe-do-Ouro (English: Mother of Gold) is a Brazilian mythological figure primarily known in the folklore of the interior of the Brazilian Southeast, Northeast, and Center-West regions.[1] Depending on the region, this figure takes the form of either a beautiful blonde woman that wears a silk dress or a fireball that has the ability to transform itself into the former. Her appearance is said to indicate areas where gold and precious minerals should not be exploited.[2]

Stained glass in the Santos Coffee Stock depicting bandeirante Bartolomeu Bueno da Silva, known as Anhanguera, finding the Mãe-do-Ouro (in the center) accompanied by the Mães d'Água

History edit

The origins of the Mãe-do-Ouro date to the 18th century Brazilian Gold Rush.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Valeriano, Maria Luiza (2020-08-17). "Lenda da Mãe do Ouro - Folclore brasileiro". Escola Educação (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  2. ^ "Mãe-de-Ouro: lenda, origem do mito e explicação". Toda Matéria (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  3. ^ "Lendas da Cultura [sobrenatural] mineira - Correio de Minas" (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2022-05-10. Retrieved 2023-04-30.