Caleuche
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The Caleuche is a mythical ghost ship in the local folklore and Chilota mythology of Chiloé Island in Chile. It is similar to legends from many other maritime cultures.
[edit] Legend
According to legend, the Caleuche is a large phantom ship sailing the seas around Chiloé at night. It appears as a beautiful sailing ship with the sounds of a party onboard, but quickly disappears again. Myths claim it is crewed by the drowned, who are brought to the ship by three Chilote mythological figures, the two sisters the Sirena chilota (a type of Siren) and the Pincoya and their brother the Pincoy. Once onboard, the dead can resume an existence as if they were alive again. Some also say that evil Brujo chilote (a type of sorcerors) like to visit the party, which they can reach by summoning up magical Caballo marino chilote (a type of water horse).
Some believe the Caleuche provides aid to ships in distress; others also say that once yearly, its drowned crew return to their families to help provide for them.
[edit] References
- Cárdenas , Antonio. El Triángulo del Pacífico. Imprenta ARCA. 1996. 74 p.
- Mancilla Pérez, Juan. Magia y brujería en Chiloé. Secretos de Mitología. Medicina Popular. 2006. 74 p.
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