Chilote mythology

The Chilote mythology or Chilota mythology is formed by the myths, legends and beliefs of the people who live in the Chiloé Archipelago, in the south of Chile. This mythology, reflects the importance of the sea in the life of Chilotes.

Chilote mythology is based on a mixture of indigenous religions (the Chonos and Huilliches) that live in the Archipelago of Chiloé, and the legends and superstitions brought by the Spanish Conquistadores, who in 1567 began the process of conquest in Chiloé and with it the fusion of elements that would form a separate mythology.

Chilota mythology flourished, isolated from other beliefs and myths in Chile, due to the separation of the archipelago from the rest of the Spanish occupation in Chile, when the Mapuches occupied or destroyed by all the Spanish settlements between the Bío-Bío River and the Chacao channel following the disaster of Curalaba in 1598.

The Gods of Chiloe

The gods played an important role in Chiloe's mythology. There were deities that were very powerful, such as Pillán, who was the god of lightning and producer of volcanic eruptions. Auchimalgen defended the people from dangerous and evil spells. There were also many evil gods such as Huecuvus, who caused sickness and unfavorable climate changes. There were many murderous gods such as Chonchonyi, who sucked its victim's blood until they died, as well as Pihuechenyi, a vampire god, who sucked blood from "sleepy Indians". With the balance of good and evil gods, evolved a new generation of monsters and legends that shaped the identity of the island's culture.^[1]

Hierarchy of Mythical Creatures

The highest rank belongs to Tenten Vilu and Caicai Vilu, who, in a legendary, titanic battle, created the Archipelago. Below Caicai Vilu is the Millalobo as the king of the seas, and his wife, the Huenchula. Their three children, the Pincoy, the prince of the sea, and the Pincoya and Sirena chilota, princesses, aid them in the work of ruling the seas. Below these are the different mythical creatures, given ranks by the Millalobo.

Earthly creatures have no hierarchy.

Human Beings in Mythology

Certain people are said to have magical powers. Witches have the ability to fly and have various creatures such as the Invunche under their command. In addition there are machis, people who play an important role in Mapuche culture and religion, though their functions and characteristics for the Chilote are somewhat different.

Legends and mythical creatures

Icon in the church of Dalcahue: Christ being surrounded by mythological creatures of Chiloé

Myths and mythical creatures of Chiloé, in southern Chile include:

• The Basilisco Chilote (a type of Basilisk)
• The Brujo Chilote (a type of sorcerer)
• The Caballo marino chilote (a type of water horse)
• The Caleuche
• The Camahueto
• The Cape or Skin
• The Chucao
• The Cuchivilo
• The Coñieuma (a double flower that screams as a child on new moon)
• The Fiura
• La Condená ("The Condemned")
• The macabre Invunche
• Chiloé (mytological origin). The legend of Ten ten Vilu, Coi coi Vilu and Origin of the Archipelago
• The Millalobo
• The Peuchen or Piguchen
• The Pésame
• The Pincoya, goddess of the Chiloean Seas
• The Pincoy
• The Sirena chilota (a type of Mermaid)
• The Trauco

See also

• Mapuche mythology
• Chilean mythology
• Chiloé

References

• Martinez Vilches, Oscar (1992). Chiloe Misterioso: Turismo, Mitologia Chilota, leyendas (in Spanish). Chile: Ediciones de la Voz de Chiloe. p. 179. ISBN 0-19-451308-4. 
• Isabel Vidal Miranda. Folklore, mitos y leyendas del archipielago de Chiloé. Mito, 1976. (Spanish)

External links

• Renato Cárdenas Alvarez (1997). "El libro de la mitología" (in Spanish). ATELÍ y Cía. Retrieved 23 September 2009. 

Chiloé Archipelago Main islands Butachauques Chiloé Desertores1 Guafo Lemuy Quinchao San Pedro Tranqui Water bodies Gulf of Ancud Estero de Castro Caulín Bay Chacao Channel Sea of Chiloé Gulf of Corcovado Dalcahue Channel Cities and towns Ancud Castro Chonchi Curaco de Vélez Dalcahue Puqueldón Queilén Quellón Quemchi Quinchao History Colonial alerce logging and trade Royal Governor of Chiloé 1643 Dutch attacks Circular Mission 1712 Huilliche rebellion Caicumeo Battle of Agüi Battle of Mocopulli Culture Clothing Chilote cap Chilote poncho Architecture and art Churches of Chiloé Chilote School of Religious Imagery Coastal fortifications Palafito Cuisine Chapalele Chicha de manzana Curanto Licor de oro Lloco Murtado Mate Milcao Potatoes of Chiloé Mythology Basilisco Chilote Caleuche Pincoya Sirena chilota Trauco Trentren Vilu and Caicai Vilu 1: These islands are not part of Chiloé Province

1. ↑ Baker, Thomas Jerome. "Chapter 3." Myths, Monsters, & Love From The South of Chile. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print.