In the deep forests and vast rivers of southern Chile, where the Mapuche people have lived for centuries, there exists a chilling legend of a creature so mysterious and powerful that it has inspired fear and awe for generations. This creature is known as Nguruvilu, a water spirit that is said to inhabit the rivers, lakes, and marshes of the region.
The Origin of the Nguruvilu Water Spirit
The Nguruvilu is a dangerous water spirit in the mythology of the Mapuche people in south-central Chile. According to the legends, this mysterious creature has a long, slender body like a snake; it is covered in scales and has the face and cunning nature of a fox. The creature is also believed to have a long and powerful tail, which it uses to create whirlpools in rivers and small streams.
The origins of this creature are deeply rooted in the Mapuche’s animistic beliefs, where spirits, both benevolent and malevolent, inhabit natural and non-living elements. Some locals consider the Nguruvilu to be a guardian of the water, a creature to be both feared and respected.
Characteristics of the Nguruvilu
The cunning nature of the Nguruvilu is seen in its ability to use trickery to lure its victims. According to local beliefs, the Nguruvilu hides in the water and makes it look very shallow and safe to cross. When someone steps into the water to cross, the water spirit uses its powerful tail to create a powerful whirlpool that sucks in the victims and drags them into the depths of the water, never to be seen again. Common victims of the Nguruvilu include fishermen, travellers, and careless children.
Some other stories portray the Nguruvilu as the guardian of the water. In these versions, those who respect the water and the water spirit are allowed to cross and are even guided across the water by the deadly spirit.
How to get rid of the Nguruvilu
Despite its scary nature, this mythological monster is not all-powerful and can be easily chased off. To do this, a powerful machi (shaman) or kalku “sorcerer” enters the water where the creature dwells and baits it to create its characteristic whirlpool. The shaman then dives into the Whirlpool and wrestles with the creature using his magical powers.
After the beast is overpowered and captured, it is brought to the surface of the water and threatened by the shaman with a long, sharp knife. The Nguruvilu can not bear any mutilation on its body, and so when it is released, it will swim away from the area to find another river crossing where it can continue to torment people.
It is important that everyone from that area witness the wrestling, capture, and expulsion of the Nguruvilu, as the water spirit has been known to return to torment villages where this is not properly done or witnessed.
After this is done, the whirlpools of the water spirit disappear, and the water becomes safe to cross.
Lessons from the Legend of Nguruvilu
The tale of Nguruvilu is more than just a ghost story told to frighten children; it is a profound narrative about the relationship between humans and the environment.
In a world where environmental concerns are more pressing than ever, the legend of Nguruvilu reminds us that nature, much like the mythical creature, is both a provider and a force to be reckoned with. By acknowledging and respecting the natural world, we can hope to live in harmony with it, just as the Mapuche have sought to do for centuries.