mouras

Mouras is the plural form of moura, a term in Iberian folklore used to describe supernatural female beings often called mouras encantadas (enchanted mouras). The legends reflect a long cultural heritage in which Moorish, Christian, and rural traditions intersect, and the mouras are commonly linked to the Moorish presence in the Iberian Peninsula.

In traditional accounts, mouras are typically depicted as beautiful women with long hair who inhabit hills, caves, springs, or megalithic sites. They are often associated with treasures, sacred stones, and ancient rituals. The stories portray them as guardians of landscapes and archaeological remains, imbuing places with a sense of mystery and antiquity.

The behavior of mouras varies by region. Some tales describe them as benevolent beings who help travelers or reward acts of kindness and hospitality. Other versions emphasize danger, warning that mortals who disrespect or attempt to plunder their domain may face misfortune or enchantment. The moura motif is closely tied to local geography, legends of dolmens and menhirs, and the Iberian tradition of myth-adorned landscapes.

Culturally, the moura figure appears across the Iberian Peninsula, with particular prominence in southern Portugal and Galicia. It features in folk songs, oral storytelling, literature, and regional tourism that highlight rural heritage and myth. While primarily a folkloric archetype, the moura also intersects with toponymy and local cultural expressions in various Iberian communities.