Guarani mythology facts for kids

Tupi-Guarani mythology is a collection of amazing stories about the gods and spirits of the Tupi and Guarani peoples. These groups are native peoples who live in South America. You can find them especially in Paraguay, and also in parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. Their myths and legends are a big part of their religion and how they understand the world.

Understanding Tupi-Guarani Myths

The ancient myths and legends of the Guarani people were not written down. The Guarani language became a written language only in modern times. This means their beliefs were passed down through spoken stories, from one generation to the next.

Because of this, the stories about their gods and myths can be different from one place to another. A god might even have a different role in the belief system depending on the region.

Many Guarani people today have joined modern society. Their old beliefs have sometimes changed or been replaced by Christianity. This happened a lot because of Jesuit missionaries in the 1500s. However, some core beliefs are still active in many rural areas. This means the myths and legends continue to grow and change even today.

The Guarani Creation Story

The main figure in most Guarani creation legends is Tupã. He is the supreme god of all creation. With help from the moon goddess Arasy, Tupã came down to Earth. He landed on a hill in the Aregúa region of Paraguay.

From that spot, Tupã created everything on Earth. This included the ocean, forests, and all the animals. It is also said that he placed the stars in the sky at this time.

Tupã then created humanity. Most Guarani myths say that the Guarani people were the first race of people made. All other civilizations came from them. Tupã made clay statues of a man and a woman. He mixed them with different elements from nature. After giving them life, he left them with spirits of good and evil. Then he departed.

The First Humans and Their Children

The very first humans created by Tupã were Rupave and Sypave. Their names mean "Father of the people" and "Mother of the people." They had three sons and many daughters.

• Tumé Arandú was their first son. He was known as the wisest man and a great prophet for the Guarani people.
• Marangatú was their second son. He was a kind and generous leader. He was also the father of Kerana, who became the mother of the seven legendary monsters.
• Japeusá was their third son. From birth, he was seen as a liar, a thief, and a trickster. He always did things backwards to confuse people. He eventually died, but he came back to life as a crab. Because of this, all crabs are said to walk backwards, just like Japeusá did.

One of Rupave and Sypave's daughters was Porâsý. She is famous for giving her own life to get rid of one of the seven legendary monsters. Her sacrifice made the monster's power, and the power of evil, weaker.

Some of the first humans were believed to have become minor gods after they died.

The Seven Legendary Monsters

Tau pursued by Kerana

Kerana, the beautiful daughter of Marangatu, was captured by Tau. Tau is the spirit of evil. Together, they had seven sons. These sons were cursed by the high goddess Arasy. All but one of them were born as scary monsters.

These seven are very important figures in Guarani mythology. Even if some lesser gods are forgotten in stories, these seven are usually remembered. Some people in rural areas still believe in them today.

Here are the seven sons of Tau and Kerana, in the order they were born:

• Teju Jagua: This is the god or spirit of caves and fruits.
• Mbói Tu'ĩ: This god looks after waterways and creatures that live in water.
• Moñái: He is the god of open fields. Porâsý defeated him by sacrificing her life.
• Jasy Jatere: He is the god of the yerba mate plant and also of the siesta (a midday nap). He is the only one of the seven who does not look like a monster.
• Kurupi: This god is linked to fertility.
• Ao Ao: He is the god of hills and mountains.
• Luison (or Luisõ): This god is connected to death and everything about it.

Other Important Figures

• Angatupyry: This spirit is the opposite of Tau. Angatupyry represents good.
• Pytajovái: This is the god of war.
• Pombero: A popular spirit known for playing tricks and mischief.
• Abaangui: A god said to have created the moon. This story might be from Guarani tribes in specific areas.
• Jurupari: A god worshipped only by men, usually in isolated tribes in Brazil.
• Jande Jari: Meaning "our grandmother," this is the spirit of the Parapetí river in Bolivia.
• The Celestial Jaguar: In one legend, the mother of the sun and moon twins was killed by Celestial Jaguars. The twins grew up with jaguars until a bird told them the truth. The twins then killed all jaguars except one pregnant female. This female became the mother of all jaguars today. Jaguars are now feared by the Guarani. They are often part of a person's life from beginning to end. Jaguar meat might be eaten by a pregnant mother. Jaguars can also represent the souls of the dead in temples. Sometimes, sick, elderly, or slow people were left for the jaguars.

See also

In Spanish: Mitología guaraní para niños