Besouro Mangangá, born Manoel Henrique Pereira in 1895 in Santo Amaro, Bahia, is one of the most legendary figures in the history of Capoeira. His name, "Besouro" (meaning "beetle"), and his mythic qualities have become synonymous with the power, agility, and spiritual depth of the art. His story, marked by extraordinary feats and mysticism, continues to captivate Capoeira practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Early Life and Capoeira Journey

Besouro was born into a region of Bahia known for its sugarcane fields and vibrant culture. As a child, he was introduced to Capoeira through Mestre Alípio, who taught him the craft in Trapiche de Baixo, an area with a deep tradition of Capoeira practice. Besouro quickly became known for his fierce abilities, and it wasn’t long before he became one of the most feared Capoeira fighters in the region.

His remarkable skills in Capoeira were complemented by his reputation as a dangerous faquista, a master of knife fighting. Besouro was also famously known for his ability to wield a straight razor using his foot, adding a unique and dangerous element to his fighting style. It is said that Besouro could transform into a beetle when the odds were stacked against him, symbolizing his ability to escape from overwhelming situations. This mystical quality, combined with his “corpo fechado” (closed body) belief — meaning he was invulnerable to bullets or daggers — helped to elevate his status into legend.

Mythology and Legend

Besouro’s life was steeped in myth. Local legends told stories of his near-invulnerability, with many claiming that bullets and knives could not harm him due to his spiritual protection. These legends only grew as he continued to evade the law and outsmart enemies. Besouro’s daring nature also extended to his relationship with the police, where he often clashed with authorities. He was never known for typical criminal activity but was repeatedly arrested for his resistance to police actions, especially in the context of protecting Capoeira traditions and his community.

One famous incident in 1918 saw Besouro go to a police station in the São Caetano neighborhood of Salvador to recover a stolen berimbau, an essential instrument in Capoeira. Although he was unsuccessful in reclaiming the instrument, the altercation highlighted his defiance against the state and his commitment to his people and the art of Capoeira.

Death and Legacy

Besouro Mangangá's death remains shrouded in mystery and is the subject of several legends. One popular account suggests that he was ambushed and killed with a special wooden dagger prepared during a magical ritual aimed at overcoming his corpo fechado. Another variation of the story describes how Besouro, who could not read, unknowingly carried a message that marked him for death, believing it would bring him work.

Besouro's death occurred in 1924, at a young age, under mysterious circumstances in the Maracangalha camp in Santo Amaro. His untimely demise further cemented his status as a mythical figure in Capoeira lore. In the aftermath of his death, Capoeira rodas (circles) across Bahia ceased for weeks as a sign of mourning for the loss of one of the art's most influential figures.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Following his death, Besouro’s legacy grew, and he became a symbol of Capoeira’s resilience, freedom, and spiritual power. By the 1930s, his fame had spread across Brazil, and with the expansion of Capoeira to international shores, his story reached a global audience. His teachings and bravery left a lasting mark on Capoeira, influencing future generations of capoeiristas, including Mestre Cobrinha Verde.

Besouro’s legend continues to inspire, and in 2009, his life was dramatized in the film The Assailant (originally Besouro), where he was portrayed by actor Ailton Carmo, with choreography by Huan-Chiu Ku. The film helped revive interest in his story, ensuring that his contributions to Capoeira and Brazilian culture would never be forgotten.

Conclusion

Besouro Mangangá was not just a master of Capoeira but a cultural icon whose life, steeped in myth and mystery, embodied the spirit of resistance, freedom, and spirituality that defines Capoeira Angola. His legacy transcends the borders of Brazil, leaving an indelible imprint on the global Capoeira community. Through his skills, his defiance, and the rich stories that surround him, Besouro remains one of the most legendary figures in Capoeira’s history.