We’re back again with more exciting myths and legends of Latin America. What ancient folklore will we uncover this time? Let’s take another trip back to a region filled with diversity, vibrant cultures, and varying traditions.
Today, we will focus on three more Latin American countries; Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Chile. So sit back, relax and let’s uncover the myths and legends associated with these well-known countries.
Puerto Rico – El Chupacabra
Whether in idle conversation, watching a scary movie, or simply reading stories at night, we’ve all heard about the legend of Chupacabra. It is a popular legend in Latin American folklore that quickly spread across the globe.
El Chupacabra can be translated to mean ‘goat sucker’ and is a fearsome creature that is described as a monstrous creature, resembling a dog in some variations, and a lizard in others. It is also described as having red eyes, long fangs, and spikes running from the nape of its neck down to its tail.
The Chupacabra is thought to drain the blood of livestock while leaving empty carcasses in its wake. Over the years people have claimed that it targets mostly goats, sheep, pigs, and in some cases pets.
Although it is known to attack livestock there’s no telling what would happen if a human were to encounter this monster when walking home alone on a dark night when the moon’s light is being obscured by a thick blanket of clouds.
Guatemala – El Sombreron
Women traveling to Guatemala are cautioned against the legend of EL Sombreron. He is known by several different names across Latin America, including The Boogeyman, Goblin, and Tzipitio, however, his description is always the same.
El Sombreron is described as a short man who goes around wearing an enormous black hat, ornamental boots, and a dazzling belt. This legendary boogeyman is said to have an obsession with braiding. He is often sighted braiding the mane of horses and even dogs.
Legend claims that he is fascinated by, and follows women who have long hair and big eyes. He travels around the town with a pack of mules and when a woman catches his eye he ties the mules outside her house. He then serenades her with a silver guitar.
When he is invited inside he serves her soil for dinner which in turn renders them unable to sleep or eat. Culturally, the story keeps young girls in their homes at night. It also teaches them to beware of crafty men. If you ever visit Guatemala, beware of short men in large sombreros who attempt to serenade you with a silver guitar.
Chile – El Culebron
Terrifying, mysterious, and known to lurk in dark caves and forests the Chilean legend of El Culebron is not an unfamiliar tale. Legend has it that El Culebron is a master shapeshifter that resides in the rural countryside of Chile.
His natural form is that of a monstrous snake with a head shaped like a calf, but he can shapeshift into any form that frightens children the most. One variation of El Culebron is that he hides under children’s beds at night and frightens them before eating them whole.
Legend also states that this creature will attack hikers, mule drivers, and any human that stumbles across its hiding place. People are warned that if they visit Chile’s rural countryside they must avoid places where they are known to inhabit.
El Culebron has been said to arrive at the sites of treasure, in a short time after it has been buried. Legend has it that this creature is attracted to treasures. But legend also has it that it can attract wealth to anyone who can capture it. However, as one can imagine, capturing it is no easy feat.
Capturing El Culebron
To capture El Culebron one must find one in the wild. Next, you pick three of its longest hairs. After that, you place the hairs in a container of milk. From the container, three baby Culebrones will appear. It is said that the strongest will devour the other two and become a full-sized Culebron.
Owners of the Culebron must be able to maintain it with sacrifices of animals. In some cases, it’s even close relatives and friends. Blood must be left in a secret location where only El Culebron can find it. Otherwise, you will not have access to treasure or fortunes. Oh, and there is a possibility that El Culebron will eat you.
Wrapping Up
It’s interesting how different countries from the same region have exciting myths and legends that are unique to their culture. We hope you enjoyed our quick trip to Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Chile! Were you just as fascinated with their myths and legends as we were?
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