Long ago, the Paraná River, one of the largest river systems in the world, was feared and revered by the people who lived along its winding waters. Beneath its murky depths, where sunlight never reached, a colossal serpent was said to dwell. Its massive body stretched as long as an ancient tree, covered in jet-black scales that shimmered like moonlight. Its eyes were not ordinary eyes but glowing orbs of fire, capable of mesmerizing anyone who dared to meet its gaze. The serpent, known as Mbaé-tata, was both feared and worshiped as the guardian and spirit of the river.
The serpent embodied the river’s strength and creative power. Legends say that the sharp bends, floating islands, and hidden deep pools along the Paraná were shaped by its movements beneath the water. When Mbaé-tata stirred in anger, the river would rise with violent waves, unleashing floods on the banks. When it rested, the waters became calm, and fish thrived abundantly, nourishing the people who depended on the river for survival.
Strict rules governed those who relied on the river. Greed was forbidden: fishermen were warned never to take more than they needed. Anyone who tried to empty a stretch of the river would face the serpent’s wrath as whirlpools rose to sink their boats, restoring balance to nature. Silence was sacred on misty nights or during the new moon, for loud noises could awaken Mbaé-tata, whose breath could bring illness or misfortune. Before each new season, offerings such as tobacco leaves or a sip of alcohol were cast into the river, a promise to the river’s master for safe passage and protection.
In some versions of the legend, the serpent could breathe fire or emit a radiant light beneath the water. This light would trick those with evil intent, luring them into muddy shallows or bottomless depths. Yet for the lost or virtuous, the glow of its scales acted as a guiding beacon, safely leading them back to shore. The river and its guardian became a living lesson for all who relied on its waters.
The tale of Mbaé-tata teaches reverence for nature, reminding humanity that the Paraná’s power cannot be tamed and that humans are small beings living under its mercy. It emphasizes ecological balance, showing that greed and exploitation bring destruction. Above all, it warns of the hidden dangers beneath the seemingly calm surface, where powerful currents, whirlpools, and the serpent itself watch patiently, demanding respect and humility from all who enter its domain.