Nicaraguan folklore
Nicaragua is a very interesting country... The weather is amazing, the people are genuine and friendly, the food is good and there is a strong sense of culture- unlike Costa Rica. There is also a sense of weird in the air. Which is good. Religion is a very big deal, lots of amazing churchs here. But I have been really enjoying hearing about the folklore here. I´ve heard of one recently that I think is rather hilarious. The legend of the DUENDES....
Duendes are the Nicaraguan equivalent of Leprechauns. They live in mountaineous areas, wear small overalls and pointy red hats. Their features are somewhere in between those of the average leprechaun and the average Nicaraguan. Prominent cheek bones as well as prominent eyebrows. Dark brown skin, bright pink eyes. Little booties and a devlish laugh. I have read 3 different articles on the Duendes, all three stating that they are a legitimate concerns of Nicaraguans, with young children.
The Duendes are mischevious like their cousins the leprechauns- playing tricks on unsuspecting villagers, and giggling in the night. Usually along the lines of tying a horse up into a tree, or burying a pet up to its neck in the ground. However, they also have a more malicious side-- two of the articles reported that certain bands of Duendes living in the North country have been known to kidnap the children of the village and eat them.. all the while giggling the night away in celebration.
We heard something really strange early this morning, and I am hoping all the children of the hacienda are accounted for, because it sounded scary and Duendesish. I guess it may have also been the hotel manager pleasuring his wife...
The next legend I hope to learn more of, is Chico Largo. Apparently he is a reclus farmer that heads a mythical community at the bottom of Lake Nicaragua.
Duendes are the Nicaraguan equivalent of Leprechauns. They live in mountaineous areas, wear small overalls and pointy red hats. Their features are somewhere in between those of the average leprechaun and the average Nicaraguan. Prominent cheek bones as well as prominent eyebrows. Dark brown skin, bright pink eyes. Little booties and a devlish laugh. I have read 3 different articles on the Duendes, all three stating that they are a legitimate concerns of Nicaraguans, with young children.
The Duendes are mischevious like their cousins the leprechauns- playing tricks on unsuspecting villagers, and giggling in the night. Usually along the lines of tying a horse up into a tree, or burying a pet up to its neck in the ground. However, they also have a more malicious side-- two of the articles reported that certain bands of Duendes living in the North country have been known to kidnap the children of the village and eat them.. all the while giggling the night away in celebration.
We heard something really strange early this morning, and I am hoping all the children of the hacienda are accounted for, because it sounded scary and Duendesish. I guess it may have also been the hotel manager pleasuring his wife...
The next legend I hope to learn more of, is Chico Largo. Apparently he is a reclus farmer that heads a mythical community at the bottom of Lake Nicaragua.
posted by Jay at Sunday, October 22, 2006
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