Chonchon
The Chonchón is a creature from Chilean and Argentine folklore, particularly in the mythology of the Mapuche people. It is often depicted as a supernatural being that takes the form of a flying head with large, bat-like ears that it uses as wings. The Chonchón is associated with witches or “machi” who are believed to transform into these creatures to travel invisibly at night.
In the folklore, the Chonchón is said to emit a high-pitched, shrill cry as it flies, often described as “tue tue tue,” which is considered an omen of death or misfortune. The Chonchón’s presence is feared, as it is believed to bring illness, misfortune, or even death to those who hear its cry.
Some versions of the legend suggest that the Chonchón is a witch or sorcerer who has performed a ritual to detach their head and transform into this fearsome creature. The Chonchón can supposedly enter homes through any small opening, making it a particularly frightening figure in local folklore.
The legend of the Chonchón reflects the deep-rooted belief in witchcraft and the supernatural in Mapuche culture, as well as the fear of unseen, malevolent forces. The Chonchón is one of the many mythical beings in South American folklore that embodies the fear of the unknown and the power of magic.
VARIATIONS:
Piguechen (“vampire”)
SOURCES:
- Alexander, Latin-American, 329;
- Edwards, My Native Land, 395;
- Van Scott, The Encyclopedia of Hell, 287
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology Written by: Theresa Bane ©2010 Theresa Bane. All rights reserved
