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.

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

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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

• Isabel Vidal Miranda. Folklore, mitos y leyendas del archipielago de Chiloé. Mito, 1976. (Spanish)