Maiden
What you need to sow
Speak the word that breaks the spell.
Portuguese / Azorean
Moura Encantada
Enchanted Guardian of Springs
Portuguese and Azorean folklore
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Her story
Historical context
spirit · Portuguese and Azorean folklore
The moura encantada is an enchanted maiden of Portuguese folklore, carried to the Azores by settlers, who guards treasure by springs and crater lakes until someone breaks her spell.
Mythology & traditions
Mouras encantadas appear throughout Portuguese tradition at springs, caves, old ruins and boundary places, often on the feast of São João. They comb long hair with golden combs, guard treasure and ask a passerby to perform a difficult act that will release them. Azorean settings give the old motif volcanic lakes, caverns and island horizons.
Domains
- enchantment
- springs
- treasure
- release
Symbols
- golden comb
- spring
- hydrangeas
In the oracle
Her guidance
Mother
What you need to grow
Grow freedom for what has been waiting.
Crone
What you need to know
Know that treasure hides where you rest.
Her tradition
Azorean Tradition
Enchanted spring guardians carried from Portuguese folklore.
Explore this tradition