Cherufe
Cherufe In Mapuche mythology there is a demon named Cherufe that lives in the magma pools of the volcanoes in Chile. Cherufe was said to cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions unless offered a virgin human, who would be thrown into his volcano as a sacrifice. After consuming the choicest parts of his offering, he would ignite the head of his victim and launch it from the volcano. It should be noted that there are actually some cryptozoologists who believe that this demon is based on actual sightings of an undiscovered and undocumented creature that can survive in pools of molten rock.
Sources:
- Faron, Mapuche Indians of Chile, 70;
- Lurker, Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses, 81;
- Maberry, Vampire Universe, 72;
- Porterfield, Chile, 44.