The legend of Iguazu Falls: Naipi and Tarobá

Direct answer: The legend of Iguazu Falls says the serpent-god Mboi, out of jealousy, tore the earth and created the falls to separate the young lovers Naipi and Tarobá. She became a rock at the base of the waters; he, a palm tree leaning over the abyss. Whenever the two meet, a rainbow is born.

Long ago, the indigenous peoples who lived along the Iguaçu River believed the world was ruled by Mboi, a serpent-shaped god, son of Tupã. The chief Igobi had a daughter, Naipi, so beautiful that the river's waters would stop to watch her. Because of that beauty, Naipi was to be consecrated to the god Mboi, to live only for his worship.

But among the people was a young warrior, Tarobá, who fell in love the moment he saw Naipi. On the day of the consecration feast, while the chiefs drank cauim and the warriors danced, the two fled downriver in a canoe.

When Mboi discovered the escape, he was enraged. He drove into the depths of the earth and twisted his body, opening a huge chasm that formed the Iguazu Falls. Naipi became one of the central rocks, forever lashed by the raging waters. Tarobá became a palm tree leaning at the edge of the abyss.

And they say that, whenever the two meet in the waters, a rainbow appears.

Where to see the legend today

On sunny days, the rainbow appears over the falls on both sides. See the rainbow chances today and the guide on why visit Iguazu Falls.

Source: indigenous legend recorded by ICMBio and local guides.