Zé Cabra

Zé Cabra is a folkloric figure prominent in the Northeastern region of Brazil, particularly in the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte. He is a legendary bandit or "cangaceiro," often romanticized in popular culture, similar to Robin Hood. However, unlike Robin Hood, Zé Cabra is frequently depicted with more violent and morally ambiguous traits.

The stories surrounding Zé Cabra vary depending on the specific region and teller. Common themes include his supposed origins as a poor farmer wronged by wealthy landowners, his rise to becoming a leader of a "cangaço" (a bandit group), and his acts of robbing the rich to give to the poor. The narratives often blur the line between historical fact and fictional embellishment.

Zé Cabra is not a single, historically verifiable individual, but rather a composite character representing the struggles of the marginalized population against social injustice and oppression in the sertão (Brazilian backlands). He embodies the spirit of resistance and rebellion, albeit through extra-legal and often violent means.

His legacy is primarily maintained through oral traditions, popular songs (cordel literature), and local legends. He remains a symbol of defiance and a complex figure within the socio-cultural landscape of Northeastern Brazil. The figure of Zé Cabra is often used to explore themes of poverty, injustice, violence, and the fight for survival in a harsh environment.