The Legend of Iguazu Falls: Naipi and Tarobá

Direct answer: The legend of Iguazu Falls tells that the serpent-god Mboi, driven by jealousy, ripped the earth and created the waterfalls to separate the young lovers Naipi and Tarobá. She became a rock at the base of the waters; he, a palm leaning over the abyss. When the two meet, a rainbow appears.

Long ago, the indigenous peoples who lived along the Iguaçu River believed the world was ruled by Mboi, a god in the form of a serpent, son of Tupã. Chief Igobi had a daughter, Naipi, so beautiful that the river waters stopped to watch her gaze. Because of this beauty, Naipi was to be consecrated to the god Mboi, to live only for his worship.

But among the people there was a young warrior, Tarobá, who fell in love when he saw Naipi. On the day of the consecration ceremony, while the chiefs drank cauim and the warriors danced, the two fled in a canoe downstream, carried by the current.

When Mboi discovered the escape, he became furious. He penetrated the earth’s innards and twisted his body, opening a huge fissure that formed the Iguazu Falls. Naipi was transformed into one of the central rocks, forever punished by the raging waters. Tarobá became a palm tree leaning at the edge of the abyss, looking over the river gorge.

And they say that every time the two meet in the waters of the Falls, a rainbow appears.

Where to see the legend today

On sunny days, the rainbow appears over the falls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Check the rainbow chances at the Falls today and the guide to why visit the Falls.

Source: Indigenous legend recorded by ICMBio (Iguazu National Park) and local guides.