Chilean mythology
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This article may be expanded with text translated from the corresponding article in Spanish. (December 2009) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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Chilean mythology encompasses the mythology, beliefs and folklore of the Chilean people.
Contents
Description[edit]
Chilean mythology consists of a large collection of myths and legends from the beliefs of Chile's indigenous groups (Mapuche, Tehuelche, Aymaras, Changos, Diaguitas, Picunches, Pehuenches, Huilliches, Poyas and more). Their mythology also shows a significant influence by European colonization, mainly during the Spanish colonization of Chile. These influences have helped Chilean mythology to gradually evolve and become differentiated from other mythologies of the region (ex. Chilota mythology). The varied terrain and climate throughout Chile has also influenced the development of entirely new beliefs and myths that have served to expand the country's collective mythology.
Mythological division[edit]
In the study classification of ″Chilean mythology″, the myths are typically categorized geographically into four regions:
- Northern Zone
- Central Zone
- Easter Island
- Southern Zone
Northern Zone[edit]
The myths and legends of the Northern zone as generally contain characters closely related to the desert, religious devotion, and mining. Examples of these myths include: the myth of Alicanto, la Lola, el Yastay, the Achaches, the Umpillay, and the Quilpaná, in addition to legends like Juan Soldado, the treasure of Guayacán, the Payachatas, La Tirana, and the virgin of Andacollo. The northern myths feature a heavy influence from the Inca and pre-Incan civilizations of the area, but they have adapted a characteristic of their own through a rooted base in Spanish colonialism; these manifest themselves through parties and celebrations in each region.
Central Zone[edit]
The Spanish initially settled in Chile's most populated central zone, leading to the emergence of a unique mythology in the Chilean colonial era. These myths are characterized by an assimilation of many mythological characters from Mapuche tribal beliefs.
The myths and legends of this zone contain many versions modified from oral tradition. Some of the most popular and well known mythological figures include: Pedro Urdemales, la Calchona, la Llorona, el Culebrón, el Chonchón, and the Piuchén; legends include: the Inca Lagoon, the Burial of Cacique Vitacura and Rere's Bell. Additionally, there are many references to stories about the appearance of the devil and of encounters with witches.
Further emphasized is the insular mythology of the central zone with the Easter Island mythology, and others like the legend of the treasure of Juan Fernández, in the Juan Fernández archipelago.
Easter Island[edit]
Of all of the mythologies in the insular central zone, the strongest and most important myth source is Easter Island. Much like what has occurred in other parts of Chile, Easter Island mythology also developed from a very particular world view. This led the inhabitants of Easter Island to create very singular explanations about the creation of man and their land. Examples of these myths include: Make-Make and Aku-Aku.
Southern Zone[edit]
This zone presents its mythology and legends, partly from many of the same colonial stories which are present in the central continental zone of Chile; along with myths and legends influenced by/or belonging to Mapuche indigenous beliefs. Some of the beliefs and legends of the Southern zone include the City of the Caesars, The Three Pascuales, and spirits of Mapuche beliefs like Pillán, the Wangulén, the Wekufes, the Anchimallén, Tented and Caicos, and the Cuero among many others.
Chiloé[edit]
In the Southern zone, the myths and legends of the Chiloé Archipelago has a character distinct from others in the country. This is due to the geographical isolation and the union of indigenous and Spanish traditions. Natural phenomena such as mist, strong winds, thick forests, and rough seas have been a strong source of inspiration of a nourished mythical tradition, which represents itself through characters and scenes. The most important myths and legends of Chiloé are: the Caleuche and the Trauco, followed by the Fiura, the Pincoya, the Invunche, the Camahueto, the Basilisco chilote, and the Millalobo.
Mythologies and Legends[edit]
The most important mythologies and legends are:
- Indigenous:
Iconography[edit]
Marcela Donoso, a Chilean painter, made a set of oil paintings describing 30 Chilean myths. A collection book has been made of these paintings.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- Myth and Magic Infuse Chilean Island 2008 (English)
- Antonio Acevedo Hernández. Leyendas de Chile. Colección Leyenda y tradición. Biblioteca Quimantú para todos. Quimantú, 1971. (Spanish)
- Keller Rueff Keller R. Mitos y leyendas de Chile. Enciclopedia moderna de Chile. Editorial Jerónimo de Vivar, 1972. (Spanish)
- Yolando Pino Saavedra. Folktales of Chile. Routledge & K. Paul, 1967.
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