Appearance[]
The Cuchivilu (cuchi=pig, vilu=snake) is a grotesque and formidable creature from Chilean mythology, often described as a hybrid between a pig and a snake. Its body is plump and fat like that of a pig, covered in coarse, bristly fur that glistens with moisture. The creature’s lower half, however, tapers into a long, powerful serpent-like tail. Its pig-like head has tusks jutting out from the jaw, sharp and yellowed, accompanied by small, beady eyes that glow with a faint, eerie light. The Cuchivilu's skin is dark and slimy, blending with the murky waters of rivers and coastal areas where it dwells.
Depicted as a hybrid of a pig and a snake. Its upper body resembles a fat, bristly pig with a broad, flat snout, sharp tusks, and small, glowing eyes. Its lower half transforms into a long, muscular serpent tail, covered in slick, dark scales. The creature’s coarse fur is often matted and slimy, blending into the muddy waters it calls home.
While it typically resides in rivers and coastal waters, the Cuchivilu is also known to leave the water and pursue intruders on land, moving with surprising speed despite its bulk. The creature's grunts are guttural and aggressive, echoing through the misty shores like a warning to those who venture too close.
Lore[]
The Cuchivilu’s origins lie in Chilean mythology, specifically influenced by Mapuche beliefs. Unlike ancient spirits, it is considered a recent addition to local lore, appearing after the colonial period. Formed from the souls of pigs and wild boars, the Cuchivilu embodies filth, wrath, and vengeance against human intrusion.
It despises people, especially fishermen, viewing them as intruders into its domain. The Cuchivilu fiercely protects its territory, attacking boats, nets, and even people who venture too close. Tales speak of boats capsizing and nets being torn to shreds after encountering the creature.
Its territorial presence can contaminate rivers and shorelines, making the waters unsafe to bathe in. Those who bathe in Cuchivilu-tainted water often develop a painful, itchy rash that worsens over time, leaving permanent scars. Though not deadly, the illness is highly disfiguring and uncomfortable.
News about a bunch of teenagers who report seeing a cuchivilu in southern Chile, Chonchi.
Due to the lack of close relatives it seems unlikely to exist, but its secretive behavior would explain the scarcity of sightings. Its range may overlap with those of seals, caimans (extinct in Chile), or otters, or even pigs and boars in the water contributing to misidentifications.
Cuchivilu statue made of cancagua stone
If real, the Cuchivilu would be one of the world’s few fully aquatic suids, representing an extraordinary evolutionary deviation. Its aggression, physical resilience, and toxic skin would make it both dangerous and elusive, explaining why its legend persists even in modern Chilean fishing communities.
Artwork from the Chilean game Mitos y Leyendas