Camahueto
Similar entitiesUnicorn
FolkloreMythology
CountryChile
RegionChiloé Archipelago

The Camahueto is a legendary bull found in Chilote mythology. Originating in the Chiloé Archipelago, the bull was said to have a single horn on its forehead, similar to a unicorn's.[1][2]

Legends

The Camahueto is said to grow within rivers, moving to the ocean when they are fully grown.[1] The exact nature of the creature varies within folklore, but it is variously said to eat humans, control time and create rain or thunder at will.[3] Characterised as a destructive animal, the Camahueto is said to destroys all crops and capture all creatures it comes across when it travels on land.[2] Legends tell of humans being dragged into the depths of the sea by the Camahueto when they cross its path, or approach its resting place.[1][4]

According to legend, the only way to rid yourself of a Camahueto is to call for the aid of a machi, or witch, who can lead the animal back to sea using a lasso made of kelp.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Chamberlain, Alexander F. (1910). "The Chilian Folk-Lore Society and Recent Publications on Chilian Folk-Lore, etc". The Journal of American Folklore. 23 (89): 388. doi:10.2307/534549. JSTOR 534549.
  2. 1 2 3 Windh, Jacqueline (June 10, 2006), "Chiloe has its own mythology: Spanish and Catholic traditions blended with local legends", The Vancouver Sun, pp. TRAVEL, Pg. I3
  3. ↑ "The fearsome characters of terrifying folklore in Patagonia", CE Noticias Financieras English, June 7, 2021
  4. ↑ "Legend: the invisible troop of the lord of the waters", CE Noticias Financieras, September 21, 2021
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