Patagonia, with its breathtaking landscapes and rugged wilderness, is not just a paradise for adventurers; it’s also a treasure trove of rich indigenous mythology. Home to diverse groups like the Mapuche, Selk'nam, and Tehuelche, this region boasts a tapestry of stories that reflect the deep connection between its people and the land. Join me as we explore some of the most fascinating myths of Patagonia, revealing the cultural heritage that continues to inspire today.
The Mapuche
The Legend of the Seven Caves
One of the most famous myths among the Indigenous groups is the Legend of the Seven Caves.
According to this tale, the ancestors of the Mapuche emerged from seven caves, symbolizing their journey from darkness into the world of light.
Each cave represented a different challenge they had to overcome, emphasizing resilience and the strength of community. This legend highlights the importance of unity and perseverance, core values in Mapuche culture.
The Tale of the Cursed Mountain
Locals say the mountain guards its secrets fiercely, reflecting the belief that some natural wonders should remain untouched. This tale serves as a reminder of nature's power and the importance of respecting the land.
This legend is about a young woman called Calafate, who was the daughter of an Aonikenk chief. At that time, there was a strong rivalry between the Aonikenk and Selk’nam, two of the most important native peoples of Patagonia.
The trouble began when Calafate fell in love with a young man from another people, the Selk’nam. And when the Aonikenk chief found out about it, he called the group’s shaman to separate them. Upon hearing this request, the shaman confessed to the leader that he could not use his magic to destroy love, all he could do was keep them apart.
So, the shaman turned the young lady into a thorny plant with golden flowers. The young Selk’nam, desperate in search of his beloved, asked the ancient spirits for help, and they transformed him into a bird so his search would be easier. When the bird perched on a branch of the thorny plant and ate its berries, he discovered that it was as sweet as the heart of his beloved Calafate.
From time to time, he returned to the plant as a bird to remember the sweetness of the love they once had.
And this is the origin of a famous saying: “whoever tastes the calafate berry, will always come back to Patagonia.”
Another well-known character of Patagonian mythology is the Patagona. She is a giant woman who wandered around these lands in solitude. Some people say that her power can affect the weather and nature of Patagonia.
The myth describes her as a woman with long, dark hair, who lives in caves or deep forests.
According to legend, Patagona was born from the very elements of the earth, gifted with the ability to communicate with all living things. She roamed the vast landscapes, nurturing the plants and animals, ensuring harmony in the ecosystem. Her presence was felt in the whispering winds, the rustling leaves, and the flowing waters, making her a vital part of the natural world.
The creation myth could not be left out of this list, and the Tehuelche have their own story about how everything was created. Their creator was Kóoch, a lonely god, who was the only being who existed in an endless sea of darkness.
Because of his solitude, Kóoch was deeply unhappy.
One day, some tears rolled down from his face and they became Arrok, the bitter sea of sadness and storms. When he saw how his tears were becoming a sea, he let out a heavy sigh and thus gave life to Xóchem, the wind that swept away the darkness and let the light in.
To see his creation, Kóoch created the sun out of a spark, and then he formed clouds, so the waters and the sun could interact.
And right there Kóoch sees Patagonia, which at that time was just ice and snow.