During a hunt, Martim became separated from his Pitiguara companions and wandered aimlessly for three days.

In the forests belonging to the Tabajara tribe, Iracema encountered Martim. Startled and frightened, the indigenous woman wounded the white man’s face with an arrow. He did not retaliate. Regretting her actions, she ran to Martim and offered him hospitality, breaking the peace arrow with him.

Martim was welcomed into the cabin of Araquém, who lived there with his daughter. At nightfall, Araquém left his guest alone to be served by the most beautiful women of the tribe. The young man was surprised that Iracema was not among them, and she explained that she could not serve him because she was the one who knew the secret of the drink offered to the shaman and had to prepare it.