Latin American Mythological Creatures
This spirit takes the form of a weeping woman, looking for her lost, murdered children. But beware those who follow her cries…
- La Llorona's tale is a sad one, told to keep children from wandering around in the darkness, though some believe she might actually be a demonic presence.
What is the name of Latin America's boogeyman, prowling the streets at night or creeping out of closets to prey on disobedient children?
- You might even know the lullaby to warn children about El Cuco, including the lines "Que viene el cuco...y te comerá"— translated as "The Boogeyman's coming...and he'll eat you".
This aquatic beast of Lake Lacar, Argentina, is known for its long, thin tail, sharp claws, and eyestalks. What is it called?
- Appearing like a monstrous stingray, this is a very unique and strange creature that seizes anything within its grasp to eat.
Do you know the name of these small Latin American and Mexican gnomes that are known for being tricksters?
- These mythic creatures have counterparts in many different cultures, including Iberian and Filipino cultures.
What is the name of a massive beast that is said to stalk the Amazon Basin, growing between 25 and 100 feet and likely to have a taste for humans?
- Amid the range of mythological creatures, a giant snake is the most likely to be rooted in truth, as not all areas of the Amazon Rainforest and Basin have been completely explored— there might just be a huge reptile out there!
In Dominican lore, if you see a lovely woman who seems mesmerizing, but has feet that are backward, what would she be called?
- As a scorned spirit, La Ciguapa is believed to lure men into the woods with her beauty before taking out her murderous revenge on them.
Brazilian stories tell of a woman, cursed for her wickedness and made to transform into a donkey with a ball of fire for her head. What is this creature called?
- She is said to roam the wilds from sunset on Thursday to sunrise on Friday.
In Argentina and Uruguay, this will-o'-the-wisp style creature is a form of ghostly light that might lead the greedy astray when searching for stolen goods— to their detriment. What is it?
- A green light is said to be the Luz Mala, but beware of exactly what kind of treasure trove it's pointing you towards.
What is the name of a Bolivian devil-spirit that roams the mines near Potosí and can either bring blessings to miners or wreak destruction if not appeased?
- Miners would leave offerings near statues of El Tio, which were small effigies of a half-man, half-goat creature.
What is the name of the one-legged vampire that disguises itself as a gorgeous young woman, only to lure lustful men into the jungle to drain their blood and eat their flesh?
- This female vampire is also known as a protector of nature, including the animals and plants there, and will exact revenge on people who harm the wilds.
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