Chiñifilu

Not to be confused with Chinifilu (Basket Snake)

The Chiñifilu, meaning Skunk Snake(chiñi=skunk filu/vilu=snake), is a fearsome spirit creature from Mapuche folklore in southern Chile. It should not be confused with the similarly named Chinifilu, which is a different mythological entity.

The Chiñifilu is described as a large, serpent-like creature covered in thick, dark hair, resembling a chingue (Chilean skunk)—hence its name. According to traditional accounts, it inhabits rivers and other bodies of freshwater, remaining hidden during the day. At night, while people are asleep, it emerges silently from the water to seek out its victims.

Behavior:

The creature is said to kill by strangulation, wrapping itself around the sleeping person like an anaconda. As the victim struggles and finally gasps for air, the Chiñifilu takes the opportunity to steal their breath, ultimately causing death. Once the victim has died, the snake-like spirit returns to the water.

A chingue (Conepatus Chinga)

Although native to Chilean Mapuche mythology, a related account was recorded in 1962 by Mrs. Bertha Koessler in Argentina, who mentioned a "hairy snake" with similar characteristics. However, the Chiñifilu name was not used in that instance, suggesting possible regional variation or oral transmission of the myth.

The origin of the Chiñifilu myth is unclear, especially since there are no large constrictor snakes native to Chile. Nonetheless, the idea of hairy serpents appears in other Chilean and Mapuche folklore as well. For instance:

• El Culebrón, a massive serpent with a horse-like mane.
• Kawa-Kawa, another mythical creature sometimes described with fur or hair.

The recurrence of hairy serpents in regional myths may reflect symbolic fears or metaphorical interpretations rather than zoological accuracy.

References:

1. Fernández, C.,(1995). Cuentan Los Mapuches. B. Aires: Ed.Nuevo Siglo. pp. 53 and 38
2. Bárcena, R., [Ed]. (1990). Culturas indígenas de la Patagonia. Turner. pp.236