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 Old Tupi yîara = y ("water") + îara ("lord; lady"). Depending on the oral tradition and the context of the story,[1] she can be seen either as a water nymph, a siren, or a beautiful mermaid that lives in the Amazon River.

  1. ^ "Article on the city of Olinda". Archived from the original on 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2011-07-16.