Iara (mythology)

"The Iaras", bronze sculpture by Cheschiatti, at the Alvorada Palace

Iara, also spelled Uiara, Yara or Hiara (Portuguese pronunciation: [iˈjaɾɐ], [iˈaɾɐ], [ˈjaɾɐ], [wiˈjaɾɐ], [ujˈjaɾɐ]) or Mãe das Águas ([ˈmɐ̃j dɐz ˈaɡwɐs], "mother of the waters"), is a figure from Brazilian mythology based on Tupi and Guaraní mythology. The word derives from Nheengatu iiyara = ií ("water") + yara ("lord; lady").[1] Depending on the oral tradition and the context of the story,[2] she can be seen either as a water nymph, a siren, or a beautiful mermaid that lives in the Amazon River.

  1. ^ Avila, Marcel Twardowsky (2021). Proposta de dicionário nheengatu-português [Nheengatu–Portuguese dictionary proposal] (in Portuguese). São Paulo: USP. p. 316. doi:10.11606/T.8.2021.tde-10012022-201925.
  2. ^ "Article on the city of Olinda". Archived from the original on 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2011-07-16.