Religion, Myths and Mythology on the Big Island of Chiloe, Chile

When writers and journalists describe the Great Island of Chiloe as a land of enchantment and magic, it's not only because of the marvellous of its scenario that resembles a English fairy tale. While this is the ground foundation to an extraordinary mystical experience, the other pillar that sustains the experience is the very own culture of the island.

The local mythology can be traced back to the moment in which ancient religions from the original people of the island -Chonos and Huilliches- their legends and beliefs meet with the Conqueror's culture and religion, which is that of the Spaniards of 1567, when they first set foot on Chiloe.

In stead of a removal of a set of beliefs, what took place is a process known as syncretism, which means fusion and combination of myths, religions and beliefs into a greater group that contains and accounts new meanings to ancient beings and forms.

One of the reasons for this syncretism of cultures and how it prospered in this particular form is the fact that Chiloe was isolated from the mainland for the greater part of its history until recent times.

Chiloe's particular group of beliefs stands upon the designation of several gods of different ranges.

The highest most range corresponded to Tenten Vilu and Caicai Vilu, who according to the legend were the ones to create the Island during a legendary struggle.

Millalobo was the king of the oceans, and he was accompanied by his wife Huenchula and his three sons, Pincoy prince of the seas, Pincoya the mermaid and princess of the seas. Under the "royal ocean family" there are other mythological creatures.

An interesting feature is that terrestrial creatures do not obey a hierarchical order. Though there are some mortals to whom magical powers are attributed. Witches have the ability to fly and have several other creatures under their command.

At the same time, Machis, are special individuals who not only play a great role in the culture and religion, but also play specifically social and cultural roles.

However when studding the origin of these kinds of cultures, one thing is important to consider and that is that pre colonial societies did not develop any kind of writing skills therefore there's no documentation of these beliefs but that of the oral transmission of them from generation to generation. Therefore it shouldn't surprise us the fact that the description is not completely homogenous……… so in time I will go adding information on this subject of Religion, Myths and Mythology on The Big Island of Chiloe. And if anyone has any information or ideas to log in, please feel free to email me, hope I have been of some help with this idea. Bob Frassinetti.

Religion, Myths and Mythology
The Devil, Churches and Myths mixed with Religeon on the Island of Chiloe, Chile