O aho aho it is a monstrous creature that devours people.
The legend is part of the folklore of the southern region and was probably spread by the Jesuit priests during the time of the Missions among the Guaraní Indians.
It is said that the ahó ahó was a monster similar to a sheep, but with large horns, that stalked men to devour them. Other sources describe him as a large, furry dog that blew smoke from its mouth.
The ahó ahó always walked in groups and called each other through this sound "ahó ahó". They sought out the unsuspecting who walked away from the reductions maintained by the Society of Jesus.
The only solution was to climb a palm tree, considered sacred for providing the palms that acclaimed Jesus on the Sunday before Easter.
Some interpretations indicate that this was the tree that gave the wood for the cross of Christ. With that, the group lost track and abandoned the hunt.
If the victim climbed a tree of a different specimen, the Aho Aho dug the roots until he dropped the stick and could devour his prey.
Origin of Legend
This legend was probably created by the Jesuit priests to convince the indigenous people to remain in the missions and not return to their villages.
Thus, they took the opportunity to demonize the forest and show that the only salvation came from Jesus Christ.
Aho Aho's Curiosity
This story extends across the entire territory belonging to the Guaraníes, who today are Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil.
To learn more about Brazilian folklore, read:
- Legends of the North Region that you need to know
- Northeast Region Legends You'll Love
- Legends of the Southeast that you can't miss
- Fantastic legends from the Midwest region
- indigenous legends
- Acutipupu: origin and legend
- Jurupari: legend, meaning and ritual
- Alamoa: legend and origin
- Shouter: legend and origin
