Tradition / Region: Portuguese Mythology
Alternative names: Cabra-cabriola
Category: Sheep
The Myth
The Cabra Cabriola is one of Portugal’s most infamous bogeymen—a monstrous, man-eating goat used for centuries to frighten children into obedience. It is described as a terrifying goat-like creature with enormous jaws, razor-sharp teeth, and fire blazing from its eyes, mouth, and nostrils. Its name, meaning “Leaping Goat,” comes from its incredible ability to bound and leap with supernatural speed.
According to legend, the Cabra Cabriola wanders at night searching for disobedient children to devour. As it approaches, it announces itself with a chilling rhyme proclaiming that it eats children two at a time and will soon feast upon anyone who disobeys their parents.
One of the best-known stories tells of a poor mother who must leave her children alone while she goes to work. Before leaving, she warns them never to open the door unless they recognize her voice. Soon afterward, the Cabra Cabriola arrives and tries to trick the children into letting it inside, but they recognize its deep, monstrous voice and refuse.
Determined to succeed, the beast secretly listens as the mother returns home and memorizes the sound of her gentle voice. It then visits a blacksmith, who magically reforges its tongue so it can perfectly imitate her speech. Returning to the house, it softly calls to the children, pretending to be their mother carrying firewood, milk, and provisions. Believing the deception, the children unlock the door, whereupon the Cabra Cabriola enters and devours them.
Another Portuguese tale, set in the Algarve, tells of the monster breaking into a widow’s home while her children hide beneath a bed. Too frightened to confront it herself, the widow seeks help from larger animals such as a fox and a wolf, but both flee in terror. Finally, a tiny ant volunteers to help in exchange for a meal of honey and oil. Crawling onto the beast, the ant delivers a painful sting to its belly, causing the mighty Cabra Cabriola to flee the house screaming in agony. The story teaches that intelligence and courage can overcome even the most terrifying monster.
Throughout Portugal, the Cabra Cabriola became one of the country’s most enduring nursery monsters, combining the image of the medieval devil’s goat with the role of the child-snatching bogeyman. It remains a classic cautionary figure, warning children against disobedience, opening the door to strangers, and ignoring their parents’ instructions.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Cabra cabriola. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 28, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabra_cabriola