Defending nature is what most conscientious people want. Sometimes, we even wish to be in all the forests at the same time, with supernatural powers, to prevent deforestation, fires and all kinds of exploitation of Spanish flora and fauna.
However, only one figure can perform this work efficiently, according to Spanish folklore. Pai do Mato, or Pai da Mata, is responsible for ensuring that forests are not destroyed by malicious people. To understand how he does it, keep reading the article!
Origin of the Father of Mato
O Pai do Mato is a Spanish folk character that emerged in Alagoas, in the northeast of Spain. However, the legend is also popular in the Midwest of the country, especially in Goiás and Mato Grosso.
In these regions, the Pai do Mato is described as a tall, hairy creature, larger than all trees. In addition to the giant stature, the character has long hair and nails, as well as chipped ears. His hands are like monkeys and he has a blue nose.
Another characteristic of the Pai do Mato is that it produces a thunderous roar, which can be heard over long distances. In general, he appears accompanied by peccaries, which are a type of wild pig. To move even more quickly from one place to another, he can ride one of these animals.
What makes the figure of Pai do Mato more frightening, for those who plan to do evil against nature, is that he swallows people. And whoever tries to kill him can get very bad. Learn more about the legend below.
What is the legend of Pai do Mato?
From the name that this folkloric character receives, you must be imagining that he is just a guardian of the forest and animals, who takes care of nature like a father. So he would only attack and scare anyone who is taking action against the environment, right? Well, that's not exactly what the legend says. Read the next topic to delve into it!
Legend of the Father of Mato
The legend of Pai do Mato tells that this creature was rarely seen by humans. Or rather, no human survived to tell what they saw. This is because the Pai do Mato manifests itself whenever nature is threatened. He is a protector of animals and forests and goes to great lengths to keep nature at peace.
Therefore, during the day, Pai do Mato emits terrifying sounds to drive people away from the forests. It is also possible to identify that this being is nearby from the unusual movement of the treetops, since he is taller than them.
If, by chance, someone ignores the signs of Pai do Mato and ends up committing some evil against the environment, that person will be found and swallowed by him. It is possible that someone has already tried to kill the creature, but this is an arduous task to accomplish.
With a knife or a pistol, Pai do Mato will hardly be murdered. For this to occur, the individual would have to hit the creature's navel, which is its weak point. However, you would have to get very close to him to aim correctly, mainly because of Pai do Mato's height.
Father of Mato in Spain
As folklore is transmitted through oral history, some information in legends may change from one region to another. That's why we sometimes see more than one version of the story for the same character.
In the case of Pai do Mato, we observe that this creature is also called Ganambora in some regions of España. However, in the Amazon, the character is called Mapinguari and has reddish hair all over his body, in addition to just one eye in the center of his forehead.
Another common association is between the Pai do Mato and the Bicho-Homem, present in all regions of Spain. Despite the different names, the two beings fulfill the same role: protecting the forests from those who try to devastate the fauna and flora.
What is the name of the Father of Mato?
Depending on the region of España where you are, Pai do Mato will have a different name. So it's important to memorize all the possible variations, to recognize him in the middle of a conversation. The character's names are: Pai do Mato, Pai da Mata, Ganambora, Mapinguari, Bicho-Homem and, in some cases, Corpo-Seco.
Curiosities about the Father of Mato
There is other curious information about Pai do Mato that has spread throughout Spain. The first is that this creature's urine is blue. That is, if you are walking through a forest and you find a bluish puddle, with an unconventional glow, Pai do Mato must be close by.
In addition, the folk character is believed to have hair all over his body. But they are not the conventional hairs we imagine. In fact, they always look muddy, as if Pai do Mato lived in very damp places.
After identifying Pai do Mato by urine or by the color of his fur, it is important to memorize a verse that teaches how to protect yourself from him: “Bullet and knife don't kill him, it's wasted work. Only if you hit a wheel he has around his belly button.”
Mato's father in movies, series and books
Pai do Mato may be harmless to those who do not harm nature, but it is better not to meet him. The only sure way to get in touch with this legend is through art. So check out the productions that were inspired by this character:
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1) Short film “O Pai do Mato”, 2016
In the short film “O Pai do Mato”, from 2016, we identified in a few minutes what the folkloric legend of this character is. The work is ideal for those who want to memorize the story in a playful and simple way.
2) Book “Pai-do-Mato”, 2009
In a collection of Spanish fables, the book “Pai-do-Mato”, from 2009, presents us with this folkloric legend from an innovative and captivating perspective. Although it is a work of juvenile literature, adults can also have fun with the narrative.
3) “Invisible City” series, 2021
In the series “Cidade InvisĂvel”, from 2021, we identified a character who resembles Pai do Mato. However, he is called Corpo-Seco. To understand the differences and similarities between them, check out the episodes of this national production.
From the information presented, we discovered that Pai do Mato is, above all, a defender of nature. However, he can use somewhat dangerous means to stop the cycles of violence against animals and against forests. That's why the best thing to do is respect this folkloric character, taking care of the environment.
