The wild woods of Chiloé island make up the home of the Trauco, who lives there with his wife, Fiura.
Although Trauco and Fiura are said to be quite ugly - short with large noses and beady eyes - they have the power to present as more alluring to anyone they desire.
Although Trauco and Fiura are said to be quite ugly - short with large noses and beady eyes - they have the power to present as more alluring to anyone they desire.
Seductive 'Trolls'
Trauco and Fiura by Felipe Pizarro Sáenz de Urtury. Origin: Chilota Mythology (South Chile)
Description: Closely resembling trolls, Trauco and Fiura are considered to be quite ugly, short, with large noses and tiny eyes. The Trauco has legs but no feet attached.
The wild woods of Chiloé island (in the Chiloé Archipelago off the coast of Chile) make up the home of the Trauco, who lives there with his wife, Fiura. Although Trauco and Fiura are said to be quite ugly, this is no problem for either, as they have the power to present as more alluring to anyone they desire. Trauco is capable of being disguised as either a priest or someone of wealth. Regardless of his disguise or not it is said that no woman can resist him.
Trauco carries a small walking stick and hatchet, in order to ring against the tree trunks, as an expression of his sexual prowess. When the mood strikes him, Trauco will venture out in order to find a young to middle aged woman. However, if he comes across a man his gaze is said capable of killing, unless the man can get his own eyes on Trauco unnoticed first, in which case Trauco becomes that mans servant for a full year.
If Trauco finds a mate he will impregnate them and send them on their way. Many pregnancies of single women in the smaller rural communities are blamed on the Trauco.
Meanwhile, Fiura (also known as Trauca), bathes in the local streams after which she dons a garment of moss. Trauca is said to be quite strong though not as brave as her husband – any noise will startle her and cause her to hide.
Fiura is not without her powers and if she chooses she can charm lone woodcutters to her will.
If the foolhardy should venture far from the forest paths and catch a glimpse of Fiura they could be in for a shock. It is said looking at Fiura will cause a persons hands and feet to deform. The only treatment for this infliction involves the juice of the Paheldun plant and a lot of whipping.
Different regions and communities in the Chiloes have varying details to this legend.
Description: Closely resembling trolls, Trauco and Fiura are considered to be quite ugly, short, with large noses and tiny eyes. The Trauco has legs but no feet attached.
The wild woods of Chiloé island (in the Chiloé Archipelago off the coast of Chile) make up the home of the Trauco, who lives there with his wife, Fiura. Although Trauco and Fiura are said to be quite ugly, this is no problem for either, as they have the power to present as more alluring to anyone they desire. Trauco is capable of being disguised as either a priest or someone of wealth. Regardless of his disguise or not it is said that no woman can resist him.
Trauco carries a small walking stick and hatchet, in order to ring against the tree trunks, as an expression of his sexual prowess. When the mood strikes him, Trauco will venture out in order to find a young to middle aged woman. However, if he comes across a man his gaze is said capable of killing, unless the man can get his own eyes on Trauco unnoticed first, in which case Trauco becomes that mans servant for a full year.
If Trauco finds a mate he will impregnate them and send them on their way. Many pregnancies of single women in the smaller rural communities are blamed on the Trauco.
Meanwhile, Fiura (also known as Trauca), bathes in the local streams after which she dons a garment of moss. Trauca is said to be quite strong though not as brave as her husband – any noise will startle her and cause her to hide.
Fiura is not without her powers and if she chooses she can charm lone woodcutters to her will.
If the foolhardy should venture far from the forest paths and catch a glimpse of Fiura they could be in for a shock. It is said looking at Fiura will cause a persons hands and feet to deform. The only treatment for this infliction involves the juice of the Paheldun plant and a lot of whipping.
Different regions and communities in the Chiloes have varying details to this legend.
By Ashley Hall 2014
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