The Legend of El Trauco – A Mysterious Chilean Myth

 My wife and I left our ranch to visit my uncle, who lived near San Diego. In our wagon, pulled by two mules, we traveled all day. We continued on, even after sunset, looking for a place to camp for the night. We saw a fire in the distance. I told my wife, "I think we're getting close to Laguna del Muerto. I'm glad there are people there now. I feel safer this way than if we were alone." The closer we got to the lagoon, the more the fire flames died down. When we arrived, nothing remained but embers. No one was there... not even footprints on the ground. The fact that the fire was out bothered me somewhat, but I didn't want to say anything to my wife so as not to frighten her. We decided to camp right there under a huge oak tree. It was already too dark to continue. We took what we needed for the night out from the wagon. I threw wood on top of the embers and lit the fire again. Just as the flames were rising, we began to hear a horse galloping in the distance. It...

  She appears as a young and very beautiful woman with long blond hair. Unlike the Chilote mermaid (who has a fish tail), she has a completely human appearance. Legend has it that she appears from the depths of the sea, half-dressed in a seaweed costume, to dance on the beaches, and that, through the direction of her dance, she signals whether fishing will be plentiful or scarce in the coming season. When she performs her dance facing out to sea, it means that fish and shellfish will be abundant. On the other hand, if she performs it with her face toward the beach, it indicates that fish and shellfish will be scarce. If the shortage persists due to the absence of the Pincoya, it is possible to bring her back through a magical ceremony involving witches or machis. When islanders are shipwrecked, the Pincoya comes to their aid. Sometimes fishermen see her among the rocks combing her long, reddish or blond hair. Her companion, like a brother or husband, is the Pincoy. The Pincoya...

  El Trauco is a legend from the island of Chiloé in southern Chile. He is a small, ugly creature with magical powers, known for living deep in the forest. Despite his appearance, El Trauco is said to be irresistible to young women, whom he often seduces with his powers. Many times, when a young woman becomes mysteriously pregnant, people in Chiloé say that El Trauco is to blame. The theme of this legend is mystery and fear of the unknown, mixed with nature’s power and danger. In my version, El Trauco is not a dangerous creature but a forest guardian who protects young women from evil spirits. Instead of causing fear, he helps lost travelers and teaches people to respect nature. One day, a girl gets lost in the forest, and El Trauco guides her safely back, teaching her the importance of harmony with the environment. Reflection: I chose this legend because it is unique to Chilean culture and very interesting. Changing the plot helped me see the story in a new light. It made me think...