The mythology of the Peruvian Amazon

Amidst the lush forests and the sounds of animals, the ancient Peruvians who colonized the Amazon developed a unique way of seeing the world, and in order to explain it, they invented a series of myths and legends that now form part of their cultural tradition.

It is not unusual to see the elderly people of the cities or villages sitting in front of the fire and conversing with the youngest people present or with tourists about those tales of incredible wild beasts, magic, and enchantments that might or might not be true.

Each of those stories has a background, in which one can see how the Amazonian people see the world, and how they adapt themselves to the changes which modernity forces them to accept. With that in mind, if you happen to be traveling to the Amazon, it is important for you to know some of the most recurrent characters in their myths, since you will hear many warnings about them during your trip.

• Sachamama: Is a giant serpent that lives far into the interior of the forest and is very heavy. Although it is unable to slither, it has the ability to speak. With its voice, it attracts young people who neglect the farmland, opting instead to seek adventure, and devours them. It is the spirit of the rivers of the Amazon.

• The Pink Dolphin: Known as the ‘bufeo colorado’ by the locals. For them, this animal is an enchanted spirit that can transform itself into a “gringo” man – a word designating someone born overseas – because he likes young women. He chooses one and wins her heart, inviting to take her and all her friends. However, he will never take any, since if he does it will break the transformation spell. Through gifts, he manages to get her to fall in love with him and enchants her to the point that if she isn’t cured by a shaman, the young woman risks drowning in the deep river waters searching for the pink dolphin.

• Yacuruna: The watermen are the spirits of the aquatic animals of the forest and are often invoked during ayahuasca sessions, due to their power to grant wishes.

• Chullachaqui: Is a small spirit dressed in a red poncho, which enables people to see it walking among the farmhouses looking for someone or something. It can take the shape of any person and can draw people into the mountains, who then get lost seeking out the spirit. If a traveler gets lost in the forest, it is likely that he or she encountered Chullachaqui. When that happens, the traveler becomes one of his subjects and never returns to civilization.

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