Encantado
River dolphins that transform into handsome men at night. They seduce women at parties, wearing hats to hide their blowholes. The Encantado's children are never acknowledged by their fathers.
The Encantado are shape-shifting beings from Brazilian folklore, often appearing as Amazon river dolphins that transform into humans.
The Legend
According to documented folklore, the Encantado are river dolphins (boto) that transform into handsome men. They seduce women at parties and wear hats to hide their blowholes. They must return to the river before dawn.
Description
In human form, they appear as handsome young men well-dressed in white. They’re always wearing hats and are charming and musical, proving irresistible to women.
Behavior
The Encantado attend parties and festivals where they seduce women and father children. They disappear by morning and never acknowledge their offspring.
Protection
To identify an Encantado, watch for certain signs. They never remove their hats and may have fish breath. They always leave before sunrise. They appear too perfect and can’t resist music.
Unexplained Pregnancies
In the Amazon region, mysterious pregnancies are often blamed on Encantados. It serves as a cultural explanation where the father is said to be “from the river.” Children of such unions may have special traits.
Sources
The music plays at the riverside festival. A handsome stranger in white appears, his hat never leaving his head. By morning he’s gone, back to the river. Nine months later, a child is born with eyes the color of the Amazon. The Encantado leaves no forwarding address.