El Caballo Marino Chilote is a mythical creature deeply rooted in the folklore of Chiloé, and in other parts of southern Chile. This creature is a unique blend of a horse or pony (mampato) and a seahorse, forming a mystical being that serves as a means of transportation for the witchmen and witches of the region.
Origins and Role in Folklore[]
The legend of the Caballo Marino is intertwined with the Chilote witchcraft tradition. In this lore, the witchmen (brujos) are known for their ability to navigate the seas and reach hidden islands. To achieve this, they summon and tame the Caballo Marino, a creature born from the union of terrestrial and marine realms. These sea horses are known to be capable of traversing great distances underwater, allowing the witchmen to travel swiftly and stealthily through the sea.
The Caballo Marino is inherently linked to the Millalobo, the sea lion god who governs the sea and its creatures. It is believed that mistreating a Caballo Marino results in a curse or severe punishment from Millalobo himself, emphasizing the importance of respect and care for these mythical steeds.
Appearance and Traits[]
The Caballo Marino is visually a hybrid:
- It has the head and torso of a horse or pony but with scaled skin that glistens like a seahorse's.
- Its hindquarters transition into a long, curling tail, akin to a massive seahorse’s tail.
- The mane is composed of flowing seaweed, and its eyes glow with a mystical blue or green light.
- They are invisible to non-magic users, which protects them from human curiosity and exploitation.
Bonding and Taming[]
Only a powerful witchman or witch can tame a Caballo Marino. The process involves invoking magic flute—using a mystical energy flowing through the sea of Chile. During the ritual, the witchman must use a rope made from kelp to lasso the creature. This bond is lifelong, and breaking it is considered impossible.
To maintain the bond, the Caballo Marino must be fed a diet of kelp and cochayuyo. The bond is sacred, and any neglect or mistreatment is considered an offense to Millalobo.
The Sacred Bond: Witchmen and Caballos Marinos[]
In Chilote mythology, even the most cruel and ruthless witchmen must treat their Caballo Marino with care, love, and respect. This bond is more than just ownership; it is a spiritual connection to the sea and the Millalobo, the god of the Chilean seas.
Caballo marino card on the Chilean tcg "mitos y leyendas", using another name for the besat "Caballo de agua" Water horse.
The Caballo Marino is not just a pet or a mount; it is a living embodiment of the sea’s power. By taming one, a witchman gains access to the ocean’s mysteries, and through it, their magic is enhanced. The creature becomes an extension of the witchman’s soul, and mistreating it is seen as polluting the bond.
Types of Caballos Marinos[]
There are three distinct types, each with unique characteristics and uses:
- Small Type:
- Size: Comparable to a large dog.
- Use: Transportation of small cargo, messenger tasks, and scouting.
- Tamability: Easy to tame for mid-level witchmen.
- Behavior: Generally docile and curious.
- Normal Type:
- Size: Equivalent to a regular horse.
- Use: Ridable for one witchman, used for long-distance travel.
- Tamability: Requires an experienced witchman.
- Behavior: Loyal, sturdy, and efficient in navigating underwater currents.
- Giant Type:
- Size: Comparable to a whale or larger.
- Use: Can carry entire legions of witchmen, along with small structures and equipment.
- Tamability: Only the upper-ranking witchmen can manage these colossal creatures.
- Behavior: Majestic, calm, and capable of navigating vast stretches of the ocean.
Old rock carving of a witchman in a Caballo marino.
The Caballo Marino is more than just a magical mount; it represents the unity of land and sea in Chilote folklore. It embodies the power of the witchmen to bridge both worlds and is a reminder of the deep bond between the people of Chiloé and the ocean.
In stories, these creatures often act as guides or companions to the witchmen, aiding them in secret missions and helping them evade capture by ordinary folk. Some tales hint that the largest Caballos Marinos can only be summoned during full moons or intense storms, adding to their mysterious nature.
References:[]
- Mitos y supersticiones, estudios del folklore Chileno recogidos de la tradición oral (1910) Imprenta universitaria, y (1947) Editorial Nascimento, Autor Julio Vicuña Cifuentes , Santiago Chile
- El caballo marino, Tomo # 18, Zona de mares Chiloé colección mitos y leyendas de Chile (2009) Icarito La Tercera.
- Chiloé misterioso colección la voz de Chiloé (1992), Chilote Martínez Vilches, Turismo y mitología chilota, Editorial Publigrafica Ltda, Castro Chiloé, X región de los Lago.