There’s something so fascinating about the way stories are told and preserved for generations. It’s been such an exciting journey exploring and learning about the various myths and legends of Latin America the region. We’ll bring this series to a close, by venturing to three new countries and unearthing the stories unique to their culture.
It isn’t Halloween yet, but we’re ready for some more hair-raising myths and legends. Once again, let’s immerse ourselves in Latin American folklore. Today, we’ll explore the myths and legends of Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
Paraguay – Luison
Luison or Lobison is a popular creature associated with Paraguay. Luison is a terrifying creature from Guarani mythology that is said to be one of seven cursed children. He is said to resemble an ugly giant werewolf with dirty hair and pale, sickly-looking skin and eyes. Legend has it that Luison gives off the odor of death and decay.
Luison is known as the ‘Lord of the Night’ and is connected with death. His habitat is solely cemeteries, burial sites, or other places associated with the notion of death. His sole source of sustenance is dead and rotting flesh.
Some say that if Luison travels through a person’s legs, the individual transforms into Luison. His every touch is a clear indicator that your days on earth are numbered. In some communities, he is likened to the Grim Reaper.
So dear reader, if you ever find yourself in Paraguay, beware of cemeteries and burial grounds at night because Luison may be lurking in the shadows.
Costa Rica – La Mona
In keeping with our theme of all things cryptic and chilling, we introduce La Mona of Costa Rica. La Mona also called Dwarf Witch or Monkey Witch is described as looking both like a horrifying woman and a monkey. La Mona is a witch who after chanting some strange incantation, shed her skin and sprouted hair, changing into a monstrous monkey. The monkey is said to move quickly through trees.
Legend has it that it will unexpectedly attack unsuspecting victims. When they are nearby one can hear bone-chilling laughter and horrifying cries that freeze their victims’ blood and render them drowsy or mute for the rest of their lives.
La Mona is frequently spotted at midnight and under a full moon, stalking people who stroll along dark roads. Some interpretations claim that she hops onto rooftops to terrify the inhabitants with her cries and scratches on the walls and that she is often sent to torture someone in particular. Meanwhile, others believe that she decides to terrorize the first Christian that has the misfortune of appearing in her path.
The only way to get rid of La Mona is if the victim overcame his fear and said Christian prayers to counter her attacks, nailed a spider (a machete in the shape of a cross) into the ground, threw a fist of corn, mustard seeds, or salt, and threw his hat upside down. Once captured you cannot let go of her until she repents of her sins and vows never to do it again.
Nicaragua – El Padre Sin Cabeza (The Headless Priest)
The Headless Priest is popular folklore in Latin American culture. It might be one of the most prominent myths and legends of Latin America. The story is told all across Nicaragua as well as Chile, Panama, Guatemala, and Costa Rica
According to legend, at night, the ghost of a priest or a Catholic monk emerges out of nowhere, clothed in his typical order’s habit, but with the striking peculiarity that he has no head, causing horror and panic among the people who cross paths with him.
Some adaptations of the legend agree that the headless priest was a Catholic priest. Apparently, his lifestyle was inappropriate for a person of his status. As punishment for his actions, he was beheaded; alternatively, the character was a priest who was unjustly beheaded by his enemies.
It is said that his ghost appears wandering at night, either in the street, villages, churches, and other religious buildings. Many claims that he appears inside church precincts during mass or inside old school buildings or ruins.
There has been no evidence of this ghost attacking people. But if you ever visit Nicaragua and spot a headless priest, run!
That’s a Wrap!
What a journey! Over this three-part journey, we’ve explored El Cuco, La Luz Mala, La Ciguapa, La Llorona, a goat sucker, a spooky silver guitar, the weeping woman, La Sayona, La Tunda, and so many more fascinating ancient folklore stars that originate from Latin American countries! Although many of them are nothing more than spooky stories that keep wandering children safe, it’s no easy feat to separate fact from fiction.
We hope you enjoyed your final trip to Latin America with us. Go ahead and share what you have learned about the myths and legends of Latin America with friends and family. From buried treasure in a secret location to underground caves in the rural countryside, it’s a fact that countries like Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, and even Mexico all have fascinating tales shared between close relatives.
Here at Day Translations, we’re all about sharing stories and information with audiences all over the globe. We offer professional translation services to all our clients so that you can effectively connect with the world!