Bicho Papão is a mythical creature prevalent in Portuguese and Brazilian folklore, often regarded as the personification of fear. This shape-shifting entity is characterized by its ability to take on various monstrous forms, typically appearing as a terrifying beast that preys on disobedient children. Parents invoke the Bicho Papão to instill discipline, warning children that it lurks in the shadows, ready to capture those who misbehave. The legend of Bicho Papão shares similarities with other folkloric figures, such as El Coco in Spanish-speaking cultures, serving a similar purpose of encouraging good behavior among children. Its origins can be traced back to pre-Roman Iberia, and it has since evolved into a prominent figure in children's stories and cautionary tales across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America.