Yes, Santos seemed invincible. For years, his wit, heart and prose were unmatched until the day a payador, dressed in a long, black robe, challenged him.
You would have been amazed. They sang in eloquent verse, answering questions, insulting each other and bantering in poetic, musical form. They dueled in verse and sound for hours until Santos admitted defeat.
If you had heard of Santos' suicide, you would have wept, too.
Tonight, when you lie down under the Ombu tree, you may see and hear the mournful spirit of the legendary payador, Santos.