The Vilpoñi (from vil, "reptile," and poñi, "potato") is a mythical creature rooted in the agrarian folklore of southern Chile, especially the island of Chiloé. It is known as the "lizard of the potato" - a creature that represents the very spirit of the region's potato culture.
Description[]
The Vilpoñi is a long, serpentine reptile with leathery skin the color of fertile soil and sprouting potato eyes across its back. Though unmistakably reptilian, it bears faint vegetal features - root-like tendrils around its mouth, and a distinct earthy smell. At rest, it may resemble a pile of dirty roots or tubers, making it hard to distinguish from the actual crops it protects - or feeds on.
Vilpoñi drawing by artist Niña pudu.
It is an elusive creature, said to be active mainly during the potato season. During daylight, it hides in sheds, cellars, or barns, especially near stored crops. It only emerges when hungry, feeding primarily on rodents, spiders, and other pests that threaten harvests. When domesticated, it may also nibble on the potato plants themselves, though this is often seen as a sign of deep emotional attachment or boredom.
Behavior and Mythology[]
The Vilpoñi is said to hibernate for long stretches, waking only when the potato season approaches. Its awakening is considered a good omen for a bountiful harvest - but also a warning. The creature’s dual nature - protective yet destructive - makes it a powerful, if unpredictable, force.
Local witchman are rumored to keep Vilpoñis as magical pest exterminators. These witches would extort farmers by offering “protection” services: for a price, the Vilpoñi would patrol the fields, killing pests and guarding the crops. But if the farmer refused to pay, the witch could command the creature to ravage the potato stems by night, crippling entire harvests in silent vengeance.
Farmers were known to both fear and envy these creatures. Some would hire brujos not for protection, but for sabotage - ordering Vilpoñis to infest and destroy a rival’s crop under the guise of a pest outbreak.
Domestication[]
Despite its unsettling powers, a domesticated Vilpoñi is said to be affectionate - gentle as a dog but far more needy. It demands constant care and attention. If neglected, it becomes sulky and begins nibbling on the crops it was supposed to protect. Once bonded to a human, it becomes deeply possessive, often driving away other animals or even people who get too close to its keeper.