Mythological monsters are present in the ancient stories of every culture found across the world. While plenty of people are familiar with European beasts like dragons and unicorns, few people in the United States know much about the legendary creatures of South America. Embodying roles from the familiar to the fantastic, the monsters found in the stories told across this continent are often as dangerous as they are helpful. Consider these creatures and learn a bit more about the myths of the world.
El Cuero
One truly unusual beast of note is said to be found in Lake Lacar, located in the Chilean region of the Andes. El Cuero, which translates to “cowhide,” is the name given to a large sea monster said to inhabit the lake. Stories say the creature is massive and looks like the hide of a cow that has been skinned. The amorphous, hairless beast was said to feast upon the blood of any animals or humans unfortunate enough to come across it. Some stories also say the creature’s eyes protrude from its body on two large stalks.
Modern experts believe that the stories of El Cuero have a logical explanation. Freshwater stingrays are common in the area, and it is highly likely that the tales of the monstrous hide in the lake were simply sightings of the rays.
La Madremonte
Many people know the Irish folk story of the banshee. What fewer might realize, however, is that there is a very similar tale told in Colombia. La Madremonte, translated to mean “Mother Mountain,” is the spirit of a woman who is said to wear a gown of moss and leaves. She wanders the forests with an empty look and large eyes that glow in an eerie way. Like the banshee, La Madremonte is said to produce a horrible wail that can be heard late at night. Those who enter her lands will lose their way, their minds, and their lives.
Like the stories of the banshee, Mother Mountain’s origins are likely connected to how wind passes through the region. It is a common natural phenomenon in some areas for wind to pick up and blow through forests, cities, and mountains in a way that makes it sound like a human cry. To this day, people claim to hear the wail of La Madremonte and even post supposed encounters online.
Encantado
Dolphins have played a big part in myths around the world. Academics believe mermaids and sirens of Greek tales were actually distant sightings of dolphins. In the Amazon, however, a specific dolphin plays a more sinister role. First named by Portuguese explorers, the Encantado is a dolphin-like river creature that has the ability to shapeshift. Encantados will live many years under a human guise with the intention of hypnotizing and kidnapping a mate. Some of the stranger stories of Encantado tell of women who return from the rivers carrying the child of an Encantado within them.
Yacumama
Another Amazonian monster said to live in the rivers is the Yacumama. Unlike the Encantado, which can sometimes prove friendly, the Yacumama is said to be a fearsome predator. The beast is described as being a massive snake with horns growing from its head. Like many snakes of the region, the Yacumama has a paralyzing bite that it uses to subdue and consume its prey. Other than the horns, the main difference between this snake and a traditional river snake is that the Yacumama is said to be nearly 160 feet in length.
Though the tales of fantastic beasts from around the world can sometimes be seriously bizarre, many have origins that make a lot more sense to modern academics. Still, exploring these stories, as with our legendary creatures of South America, can showcase the inventive side of the human spirit.