MYTHOLOGIES OF ECUADOR

Across the countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia live an indigenous people who revere The Earth Mother or Pachamama. In ancient Incan mythology she is a fertility god, a personification of nature, that helps to nourish and protect animals and plants. In the past, offerings to her included animal and even human sacrifices, but present day offerings are usually limited to dried Llama fetuses, rice, or peanuts buried. Though known as a fairly gentle and easygoing personage, Pachamama is also said to be responsible for earthquakes, landslides, and lightning which she employs in her anger. These are directed at those who fail to care for the earth or its creatures in a kind way. This vengeful side of hers is reinforced by her frequent depiction as a dragon or a serpent.

Ecuadorian Legends/Myths

Ecuador’s Mythological Creatures

AZEMAN: (SOUTH AMERICAN VAMPIRE)

A female who dons an animal skin at night and sucks blood from the big toes of its victims ( creepy foot fetish, don’t you think?)
The creature is responsible for spreading disease.
Similar to other vampire myths, the Azeman turns to ash if caught outside when the sun rises.
To keep the she-demon away from your house, lay a broom across the doorway–she will become so engrossed with counting the bristles that little notice will be taken of the deadly rising sun.

BAKRU: (EVIL FAIRY OR EVIL FAMILIAR)

A tiny creature created from wood pulp and flesh and controlled by witches.
Their appearance resembles that of children.
They always work in pairs, enjoy loud music and shiny things.
They are familiars– demonic supernatural entities used to serve the evil witches who created them

El Duende: (goblin or brownie)

These mischievous little gnomes inhabit the walls of human homes. The naughty goblins like to dash about, scaring folks half to death, and playing mean-jokes
Parents tell their naughty children to behave or el duende will steal their soul.

ENCANTADO

One of the most feared sexual predators in the land, they lure unsuspecting humans to their death with their beauty, voice, and sexual skills.
But before killing them, they drive their victim insane, enchanting them with their seductive ways.
They live in a secret place in the Amazon, morphing from the Amazon river dolphin into a human to do evil.

PISHTACO ( BOGEY MAN)

A legend from the High Andes, this scary pale monster-man hybrid stalks folks walking late at night on deserted roads ( isn’t that always the way).
He commits unspeakable acts of horror upon his victims, devours them, and harvests their fat.
He sells the fat to people as fried chicharrones

EL MONO (BIGFOOT )

Aka marimondas or maribundas, or el Mono Grande
The hirsute beast attacks and eats humans, but likes to carry off the bonita senoritas (pretty ladies) to his secret lair for some monkey time.
Sightings have been reported in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.

CHUZALONGO

This dwarfish creature lives in the craggy rocks of the Andes.
Folks swear the creature possesess human facial features, pale skin, and blue eyes.
Their feet are backwards ( forget about following them)
They attack women
Not surprisingly, the lil’ creature appeared about the same time as the Spanish conquistadors–perhaps as a way for the native woman to explain a light-haired, blue-eyed, fair skinned child from a lusty conquistador.

Other Tales

Werejaguar: Obvious, right..and ever so much sexier than a werewolf
Lajabless: A demonic being who appears as an attractive and volumptous women, but has talons as feet
Yurupari: A race of Ogres

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