Naia

The legend of the Victoria Regia tells how this plant came into existence.

The legend of the Victoria Regia is one of the most traditional legends in Brazilian folklore, and is especially relevant in the northern region of Brazil. It is a legend of indigenous origin that tells the story of the emergence of the plant called the Victoria Regia. This legend spread throughout Brazil through oral tradition, and has survived to this day.

This legend tells the story of an indigenous woman named Naiá, known for her beauty, who is madly in love with Jaci, who represents the Moon (a male figure in indigenous culture). One day, she sees the reflection of the Moon in the water of a creek, dives in and, tragically, drowns. Jaci, moved, transforms Naiá into a Vitoria Regia.