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.