El Kokulliñ (also known as Cullinco) is a mysterious spirit-creature from Mapuche folklore, particularly found in the Biobío region of Chile. The name likely derives from Mapudungun: ko meaning "water" and kulliñ meaning "animal."
Appearance and Behavior[]
Though rarely seen, those who have allegedly witnessed the Kokulliñ describe it as:
- Roughly dog-sized or smaller
- Covered in claws or sharp nail-like protrusions across its body
- Yellow-gray or murky in color, blending with the muddy waters
- Emitting a low "moo" sound, sometimes described as guttural or echoing, which precedes rain
Described as a strange, yellow-gray creature with claws and nails covering its body, the Kokulliñ dwells in calm, deep river waters. It is considered one of the animals of the water and is part of the invisible world in traditional Mapuche belief systems.
This creature is said to be the guardian or "owner" of dangerous river features such as whirlpools, eddies, water eyes (natural springs or still pools), and particularly calm stretches of water that conceal hidden threats. The Kokulliñ is dangerous to both animals and people who approach the riverbanks carelessly. It attacks by generating a sudden, powerful whirlpool that drags its victims underwater, often without a trace.
Unusually, it is said that the Kokulliñ can only be captured using a lasso, a detail that sets it apart from other mythical beings. Its presence is also associated with natural signs; for example, its distinctive mooing is considered an omen that rain is coming.
Some folklorists suggest that the Kokulliñ may be a smaller variant of the more widely known aquatic monster El Cuero, or perhaps a creature of similar type within the same mythological family.
Modern Interpretations and Survival of the Myth[]
In modern rural communities of the Biobío and parts of Araucanía, Kokulliñ tales still circulate, particularly among older generations or Mapuche elders. Warnings about swimming in "still eyes" of water or sudden rapids often reference this spirit. Though belief may be fading in urban areas, the myth survives in oral storytelling, folk healing contexts, and localized spiritual practices.
Interestingly, in areas impacted by dam construction or river pollution, some locals claim the disappearance of creatures like the Kokulliñ as part of a spiritual imbalance or loss of natural guardians.
References:[]
- https://www.archivohistoricoconcepcion.cl/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/diccionario_ziley.pdf
- Mitologia mapuche el arte de narrar, ISBN: 9789568972165