ISRAEL BOTELHO

contato@israelbotelho.com



personal project



BRAZILIAN HORROR CREATURES REIMAGINED



The idea for this project has been maturing in my mind for a long time, and each step has been a lot of fun to work with. The project consists of approaching creatures from Brazilian folklore from the perspective of Lovecraft's cosmic horror, bringing a new tone to these stories and exploring new concepts. In addition to bringing this new approach to these tales, the project's objective is to introduce a few of the Brazilian folklore to other nations.


Below, the creation process for some of the creatures in this project.



Mula Sem cabeça



A Mula Sem Cabeça is one of the most famous creatures in brazilian folklore, in the original concept the legend states that any woman who had an affair with a priest would be punished and turned into a mule with fire for a head every thursday night. Once transformed, the creature shooting fire from its neck run through the woods and fields, trampling and tearing any animal or person that cross its way.





Mula Sem Cabeça



Studying the creature anatomy



To create the creature's look, I assumed that the curse does not transform the woman into a real mule, but adapting her body to the animal's shape, altering her bone structure, muscles and even giving rise to new limbs.



Creature design



In the original concept the Mula's curse is reversible, so this had to be considered when creating the creature's design.

The glowing red tentacles seen from afar can be interpreted as embers rising from the creature's body.



Other perspectives



Boitatá - original version



According to the Tupi-Guarani, the Boitatá is a fierce guardian of the forest and its inhabitants, awakening from its deep sleep on rare occasions, whenever it smells those who bring fire to the forest, watching every movement with its countless smoking eyes. and tearing them apart with his serpent's fangs and strength. Its fury consumes everything and everyone without distinction, for animals it is friendly heat, for its prey the fire of hell. Never look directly into any of its eyes, which once belonged to its victims, only if you wish to become one with the fire.





Boitatá



Studying the creature anatomy



Details



Other perspectives



Boitatá - southern version



In some parts of South Brazil it's said that Boitatá is a large creature that resembles a bull carrying a big eye on its forehead glowing like fire. It's footsteps are hevay and it's grunts deafining.





Boitatá



Studying the creature anatomy



Other perspectives



Transformation



Details