The Trauco
– He is an ugly looking dwarf, no more than 80 centimeters tall. He lives in the woods. His feet have no heels or toes, so he has to walk slowly with the help of a small wooden cane or pahueldun, which he can use to cast spells, and a stone axe called a toki. He has strong powers that he uses to seduce young virgins, hypnotizing them with his glare.
1. What is the Trauco like?
2. What is the Trauco’s main power?
Chilote mythology
– The mythology of Chiloe is made up of stories that depict the importance of the sea and the forest in everyday chilote life.
– It is said that chilote myths were born by integrating the religious beliefs practiced by the indigenous cultures that lived in the region and the legends and beliefs of the Spanish.
– Most chilote mythological characters are zoomorphic (shaped like animals), both land and sea dwelling, with the ability to morph their appearance. They are normally capable of hurting people.
1. How were chilote myths born?
2. What are chilote mythological beings like?
Characteristics and why they matter today
– Some researchers have discovered significant similarities between chilote and European mythology. For example, the coincidences that exist between the Camahueto’s horn and Amalthea’s cornucopia, and the resemblance between the Trauco, the faun and the satyr, among others.
– Chilote mythology is still intact in the XXI century because it has been handed down from generation to generation.
1. What mythology is chilote mythology similar to?
2. Why have chilote beliefs remained intact to this day?
