A missing hunter has been found alive after 50 days in the jungle - and claims he was lured off course by a forest spirit that called his name.

Magnilson da Silva Araujo, 34, vanished while out hunting near the small town of Novo Airao in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, on 7th April.

He was found on 28th May in a weakened state about five kilometres (3.1 miles) from where he went missing.

He was barefoot, covered in scratches, and clutching a machete.

He told family members he had been "enchanted" by a jungle entity known as Mae da Mata, or Mother of the Forest.

His brother Francisco said: "He told us the spirit kept calling his name and he just kept walking."

Locals say the Mae da Mata is a shapeshifting female spirit said to protect the forest and lure hunters who venture too deep.

Magnilson's father Edelvanio added: "He said he had a vision of a woman appeared who wouldn't let him return.

"She said he couldn't go back home and that he would stay in the woods with her.

"As if it were a spell."

Magnilson survived by eating wild fruits, including miriti, a sweet fruit found on palm trees.

He had lost a lot of weight and was too weak to walk when rescuers found him and carried him out.

He was found in a dense, swampy area known to be difficult even for experienced forest guides.

The case has gone viral on Brazilian social media after footage showed him being helped out of the rescue vehicle, pale and barely able to stand during an emotional reunion with family.

The incident happened in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest and home to rich biodiversity as well as deeply rooted myths and legends.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)