Cherruve by "A book of creatures"
The Cherruve is a volcanic spirit or wekufe from Chilean mythology, often conflated with Cherufes and Wuyuches but distinct in its role and symbolism. While all three are associated with volcanoes and destructive forces, the Cherruve represents celestial and apocalyptic phenomena — particularly comets, meteors, explosions, and epidemics.
Appearance and Nature[]
Descriptions of the Cherruve vary by region. In some traditions, it is seen as a blazing comet, in others as a serpentine creature with an ancient human face, dripping lava from its mouth. It lives underground or within volcanoes and erupts into the sky at night, streaking through the darkness as an omen.
When a Cherruve is seen in the sky, it foretells plague, natural disasters, or the death of a significant figure. Its vomit is molten lava, its underground writhing causes earthquakes, and it creates thunder by hurling human heads.
Magical Role and Sorcery[]
Volcanic stones, meteors, and oddly shaped rocks are considered fragments of Cherruves. These are collected by sorcerers, who use them as living projectiles to inflict disease and death. Once given a task — like drawing blood or causing misfortune — these rocks act autonomously and return to their master, loyal and relentless.
Cherruve card in the Chilean card game "Mitos y leyendas"
Unlike the more monstrous Cherufes, Cherruves are capable of human emotions. In one legend, a Cherruve fell in love with a Cloud spirit, and their daughter became a Snow spirit — pale, delicate, and ephemeral, contrasting the fiery violence of her parent.
Differences from Cherufes and Wuyuches[]
- Cherufes: Terrestrial and humanoid or beastlike — often described as lizardlike, humanoid, or even resembling foxes. They emerge from volcanoes and are more physical, sometimes eating or abducting people.
- Wuyuches: Smaller, draconic beings. While aggressive, they cannot reach the heavens like Cherruves and remain closer to the upper limits of the atmosphere. They frequently attack directly, rather than as omens.
References:[]
- Pino-Saavedra, Y.; Gray, R. (trans.) (1967) Folktales of Chile. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
- https://es.wikisource.org/wiki/Enciclopedia_Chilena/Folclore/Cherruve,_Ser_mitol%C3%B3gico