Chonchon

For other uses, see Chonchon (disambiguation).

The Chonchon (Spanish: chonchón from Mapudungun: chonchon), also known as the Tue-Tué, is a mythical creature found in Mapuche religion, as well as in the folk mythologies of Chile and southern Argentina.

A painting depicting a chonchon.

Legend

According to legend, the chonchon is the result of a magical transformation performed by a kalku, a Mapuche sorcerer. Only the most powerful kalkus are said to possess the knowledge to become this feared creature.

To become a chonchon, the kalku undergoes a voluntary transformation facilitated by an anointing with a magical cream on the throat. This cream allows for the removal of the head from the body, with the detached head becoming the chonchon.

The chonchon takes the form of a human head adorned with feathers and talons. Its unusually large ears function as wings, enabling it to fly during moonless nights. It is believed that chonchons possess all the magical powers of a kalku and can only be seen by other sorcerers or individuals seeking such power. Sorcerers assume the form of the chonchon to engage in their malevolent activities, and this transformation grants them additional abilities, including the ability to drink the blood of the sick or sleeping.

While the terrifying appearance of the chonchon remains invisible to the uninitiated, they can still hear its distinctive cry of "tue tue tue." This cry is considered a dire omen and often predicts the impending death of a loved one.

See also

• Flying Head
• Manananggal
• Soucouyant
• Tlahuelpuchi
• Rokurokubi

References

• Constantino Contreras 2000 (in Spanish). Unidad temática y variedad textual: un tópico social en tres relatos orales, Estudios Filológicos, N° 35

External links

• Fantastic Fauna of Chile