while legends such as the negrinho do pastoreio are unique to brazil, others like the lobisomem, are brazilian incarnations of internationally known fables. the lobisomem is known in english as the werewolf, the half-man half-canine of many a scary story.

the myth in brazil is interwoven with catholic tradition. the curse is said to fall on unbaptized children and the first son born to a woman with seven daughters, who transform on full moon wednesdays and fridays during lent.

unlike in europe and the united states, where the werewolf has become fodder for hollywood movies and teenage thrillers, in brazil there are still sightings and encounters with various forms of the wolf-man to this day.