I honestly can't remember who first told me that the TFC (The Freak Circus) characters were inspired by Brazilian folklore legends, but the thought has been living rent-free in my head ever since. So naturally, I had to dive into this rabbit hole and explore which creatures they could possibly be based on—whether by appearance or backstory.

Let's start with Pierrot.

Just looking at his silhouette—specifically that face shape—my brain immediately went: wait a minute. And no, I'm NOT talking about the obvious one everyone might think. I'm talking about Dom Sebastião, the Crowned Bull.

Now let me tell you about this legend because it lives in my mind 24/7:

The Legend of the Crowned Bull (O Touro Coroado)

Deep in Brazilian folklore, there's this haunting figure of a massive black bull with a golden crown between its horns—hence "crowned bull." The legend varies by region, but the core is always tragic.

Some versions say it's the spirit of a slave who died under brutal conditions on sugarcane plantations, cursed to roam the earth as this majestic but terrifying creature. Others tell of a bull that protects hidden treasures or sacred grounds. What really gets me is the duality—it represents both oppression and resistance, suffering and power.

The crowned bull is often associated with Dom Sebastião, the lost Portuguese king who became a mythical figure in Brazilian culture (especially up north). According to belief, Dom Sebastião didn't actually die in battle—he'll return one foggy morning riding a white horse to save the oppressed. The crowned bull is sometimes seen as his companion or even an embodiment of this messianic hope.

And when I look at Pierrot—with that distinct head shape, that almost crown-like presence in his silhouette, that air of something ancient and melancholic—I can't help but see it.

Am I reaching? Maybe. But also... maybe not.

And even if I'm completely wrong and this was never Neko's intention... wouldn't this make such a beautiful AU? 😭✨