Legendary creatures of the Argentine Northwest region
The Argentine Northwest region (NOA) is composed of the territory of the Argentinian provinces of Tucumán, Salta, and Catamarca. The region's center is in the area of Santiago del Estero. During the NOA's aboriginal period, the various communities within the area shared a complex culture that was further enriched by constant contacts and exchanges with the Tawantisuyu region, which at that time was governed by the Incas.
From this early culture numerous myths and legends arose. Two well known Argentine writers, Ricardo Rojas and Julio Carreras, have written works on these myths. Ricardo Rojas major work on this subject is entitled The Country of the Forest (El País de la Selva). Carreras' book on this subject is entitled The Bad Love (El Malamor).
Sacháyoj
Father of the Forest. Sacháyoj was a supernatural, aged being with extremely long, white hair that covered his whole body. He always carried a long cane in one of his hands. He was the guardian of the forest. When natives felled a tree without need, he would punish them by making the tree disappear forever.
Orco Mamman
Mother of the Hill. Orco Mamman was a beautiful woman who was the guardian of the gold, the silver, and all the metals that lie deep in the mountains. She would often brush her long hair with a golden comb. When metals were excavated in an excessive way, causing damage to the mountains, Orco Mamman would punish the miners. She would push metal-laden caravans, that were returning from the top of the hills, into deep abysses.
Mayup Mamman
Mother of the River. She was a fair-haired woman, who traversed the waters of Mishky Mayu, (Sweet River), in a canoe. She took care of the fish of the river. If fish were being caught excessively, this woman would throw curses on the fishermen, making their canoes sink.
Almamula or Mulánima
If a woman had improper relations with one of the relatives of Almamula, he would punish that woman by transforming her into a series of different forms. First, the woman was transformed in a bogey that would stroll about in the night, seducing, murdering, and devouring any men that she encountered who were alone. Later, Almamula would transform the woman into a mule. The woman, in mule form, would be forced to drag chains during nights on which there were thunderstorms. Finally, Almamula would turn the unfortunate woman into a gigantic black dog with teeth of fire.
Manchachicoj
Manchachicoj was a small, deformed being that was, nevertheless, seductive, elegant, and romantic. Manchachicoj was the son of a demon and a terrestrial witch. He lived in the Salamanca region. He was a tragic figure, who was fated to constantly seek out an impossible love with a nice, young human.
Efaistos
A being of great power, said to be the master of flames and fire. Said to be a ruler of a great hidden city filled with followers and treasures. Although feared, Efaistos ruled strictly but just and fairly. Some extrememists believe that Efaistos spirit endured the ages and has been sighted continuously throughout the twentieth century. The last "sighting" was said to be on December 31, 2004 near the Argentine National Congress building.
Yallagur
Beast of the land. Yallagur has become one of the most skeptical and interesting creatures within this region. Created when Sacháyoj, father of the forest, took the benefits of nature and molded them into a single beast. Yallagur is portrayed to stand on four legs, with tree branches for tusks. Recently Yallagur has come to describe individuals who act animal-like. Common slang for Yallagur is, "Sponch."
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