The Culebrón, also known as the Viborón, is a rarely known creature from the folklore of Chile and parts of northern Patagonia in Argentina. It is considered a snake-like demon or wekufe, often associated with greed, cursed wealth, and ancestral pacts. Deeply rooted in Mapuche culture, it represents a twisted reward for those who pursue material wealth through forbidden rituals or dark pacts.
Likewise, rural tradition says that this mythical creature, in the same way that it is attracted by wealth, also has the magical ability to attract wealth to the person who owns a Culebrón, by granting the owner prosperity in everything he does. To do this, it is pointed out that to tame a culebron it is necessary to have previously plucked three of the longest hairs from a Culebrón in the wild; and then place the three hairs in a fountain filled with milk, so that they come to life and can feed. After a while, three creatures will be born and the strongest one will devour the others and slowly grow until it takes the shape of a snake. Later, the Culebrón would be fed with milk from a cow that the owner would have only for the Culebrón. Likewise as a ritual, every year the owner must kill an animal or give it to a relative or close person, and leave the blood in a place that only the Culebrón knows. The owner of a Culebrón must always feed this being, taking this duty as a peremptory obligation; but if for some reason you begin to neglect the soul, this creature will leave the place, which will inevitably leave its former owner in poverty; and in the worst case scenario you will even end up paying for that fatal oversight with your own life or the lives of your family members.
Physical Appearance[]
Statue of the culebron in Vicuña city, Chile
The Culebrón is described as a massive, serpentine creature, comparable in size to a car, with a body stretching over 2 meters in length. Unlike normal snakes, this being is covered in thick black hair or feather-like fur. Its most distinctive feature is a mane of brownish-blonde hair, unnervingly human-like, flowing around a grotesque head. The head itself, due to the mane and hair, is often compared to that of a lamb, calf, or horse - but distorted and monstrous. Its reddish eyes are said to burn with an unnatural hunger.
Habitat and Behavior[]
The creature is found in high, remote natural locations - often near waterfalls, mountain rivers, hidden ponds, or forested valleys. It is believed to dwell in burrows or underground tunnels, sometimes guarding buried treasures or mystical sites, referred to in rural traditions as “burials”.
Culebron eating a girl
While primarily nocturnal, sightings have also occurred during the day. The Culebrón is considered dangerous to travelers, known to attack and devour humans and animals that cross its path. Its presence is to be avoided, especially in areas rumored to be part of its territory.
Feeding and Magical Powers[]
The Culebrón possesses hypnotic powers - it can suggest and attract victims from afar using its gaze. Once lured in, it is capable of swallowing entire animals or even people, thanks to its immense stomach and preternatural strength.
Despite its violent capabilities, the creature is said to have a strange fondness for milk. When it inhabits areas rich in livestock, it prefers to nurse from cattle rather than kill - suckling milk directly by attracting cows with its tail. It also preys on poultry and other small animals when available. After feeding, it returns to its secluded den to rest or migrate underground.
Origins and Cultural Role[]
In Mapuche lore, the Culebrón is sometimes said to be “raised” through rituals by rural people seeking land and livestock - the old forms of wealth. This creature thus becomes the embodiment of greed and corruption, a punishment disguised as a gift. Those who summon or harbor the Culebrón may initially enjoy prosperity, but they often suffer tragic or cursed fates.
The term Culebrón or Viborón has historically also been confused with other serpentine mythological beings, such as the Piuchén, Chinifilu, Basilisco Chilote, and other snake-like spirits of southern Chile. However, the Culebrón stands out due to its hairy body, calf-like head, and association with buried treasure and milk-feeding habits.