Mythology lingers all around us, whether we like to think of it or not. If you are new to mythology, then there is no time like now to start reading! Mythology is steeped in the history of oral storytelling and has an incredible amount of cultural significance. Make sure to explore different mythologies, as each one is so different from the others.
Now, let’s take a look at these four different Hispanic myths!
Chile, The Fiura
She is a woman who lives in the Chilean woods, and people call her Fiura. She is known for being short, having very long black hair, and always wearing a certain red dress. Unfortunately, she is always noted for being hideous, but that does not stop her from luring men with her lyrical voice and magical breath. This haunting woman is married to Trauco (another figure you should read about). However, she hates when other men look at her, for she will “distort” the body or curse anything when she gets furious. No person is able to fight her because her fighting skills are truly unbeatable.
Spain, Ratoncito Pérez
Living in Madrid, Ratoncito Pérez is about a little mouse living in a tiny cookie box! He travels around Madrid in search of teeth, which he more often than not finds in children’s bedrooms. Ratoncito Pérez always makes sure to leave a gift lingering where the tooth was laid as a small thank you. If you are just as entranced by this cute story, make sure to see the plaque commemorating the story in Madrid by the city council.
Brazil, Boto Cor de Rosa
You might have seen this man wander the night during Festas Juninas: white suit, incredibly handsome, a white at, and tall. This womanizer is dangerous as he can reportedly seduce any woman that night and take them for a spin around the block. By the morning, this mystical man turns back into a pink dolphin (known as a Boto dolphin). This dolphin/man swims around the Amazon River. However, there is a much darker side to this story that I highly suggest reading up on if you are interested.
Guatemala, El Sisimite
The Sisimite is taller than anything you have ever seen, and this man and monkey creature linger in the forest. When people have tried to chase him down before, they noticed that the tracks would always be the most confusing to track as this creature can reverse his feet. His thick coat of hair shields his body and protects him from bullets coming his way. This hopeless human desperately wants to learn how to make fire but cannot. He also thoughtfully makes sure to devour charcoal or ashes left by a fire. One last cool fact: the creature prolongs women’s lives when they see this creature and cuts short men’s lives when they do.
These myths are stories that are circulating the world all the time. They are cute, cautionary, sometimes dark in their origins, and a way to recount the stories told by ancestors. Even though oral storytelling has died, it is important to recognize these tales as they often hold extraordinarily significant cultural meaning.
Need more literature on a global scale? Look no further!
Here is an amazing article on Brazilian books!
