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Chilean mythology includes themythology,beliefs andfolklore of theChilean people.
Chilean mythology covers of a large collection of myths andlegends from thebeliefs of Chile'sindigenous groups (Mapuche,Tehuelche, Changos, Diaguitas, Picunches, Pehuenches, Huilliches, Poyas and more).
Their mythology shows a significant influence by European colonization, mainly during theSpanish colonial period. These influences have helped Chilean mythology to evolve and become distinct from other local mythologies such asChilota mythology. The variety of sources of these beliefs has in some causes causedsyncretism or the fusion of different beings, coming from these diverse mythological origins, complimenting and differentiating Chilean mythology.
Similarly, the differences in landscapes and climates in the Chilean territory have configured defined geographical areas that experienced different historical circumstances. This favored the appearance of different and new beliefs and myths that enriched the mythology of this territory.
In the study classification of ″Chilean mythology″, the myths are typically categorized geographically into Northern, Central, Easter Island and Southern Zones.
These myths and legends involve characters closely related to the desert, religious devotion andmining. Examples include the myth ofAlicanto,El Carbunculo, la Lola, el Yastay, the Achaches, the Umpillay, and the Quilpaná. Other legends are Juan Soldado, the treasure of Guayacán, thePayachatas,La Tirana and the virgin of Andacollo. The northern myths draw upon theInca and pre-Incan civilizations, but they became distinguished through a rooted base in Spanish colonialism.
At the extreme north isChungará Lake about which origin myths are told by theAymara people. The legendaryZapam Zucum is a large-breasted legendary maternal being associated with vegetation, known in Chile as well as neighboring countries.
These myths assimilated of many mythological characters fromMapuche tribal beliefs.
The Spanish initially settled in the central zone, the most populated, leading to a unique mixture.
This zone hosts many legends modified from theoral tradition. Some of the mythical figures includePedro Urdemales, la Calchona, laLlorona, el Culebrón, el Chonchón and the Piuchén. Legends include the Inca Lagoon, the Burial of Cacique Vitacura and Rere's Bell. Additionally, stories discuss the appearance of the devil and encounters with witches.
Another is the legend of the treasure of Juan Fernández, in theJuan Fernández archipelago.
The most important myth source isEaster Island. The inhabitants of Easter Island, the PolynesianRapa Nui people, created singular explanations about the creation of man and their land. Examples of these myths include:Make-Make andAku-Aku.
This zone was also influenced byMapuche indigenous beliefs. Legends include theCity of the Caesars, The Three Pascuales, and spirits of Mapuche beliefs likePillán, the Wangulén, the Wekufes, the Anchimallén, Tented and Caicos, and theCuero.
TheChiloé Archipelago has its own stories, due to the geographical isolation and the union of indigenous and Spanish traditions. Natural phenomena such as mist, strong winds, thick forests, and rough seas feature in legends there. The most important are theCaleuche and theTrauco, followed by theFiura, thePincoya, theInvunche, theCamahueto, theBasilisco chilote, and the Millalobo.
The most important sources are:
Marcela Donoso, a Chilean painter, made a set of oil paintings describing 30 Chilean myths. A book includes these paintings.
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