An Overview of Spanish Mythology

Think of mythology, and you probably think of the Romans, the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Scandinavians - Spain doesn't come into the reckoning. As a monotheist, Christian nation, Spain has no ancient gods, which is why it is usually overlooked when the subject of mythology arises.

However, like many civilisations of long standing, Spain has its share of myths and legends, and these are seasoned with the influences of various nations such as the Moors and the Romans, who invaded Spain. The Greek hero Hercules stole the Castle of Geryon in Andalusia as one of his Labours, and is said to be buried in Spain.

The Lechusa is a female with the body of an owl who takes away the souls of the dead. It's said that if someone whistles and the Lechusa answers, death is near. Even today, superstitious people who are dying will say they 'Hear the wings of Lechusa,' meaning death is near.

The various regions of Spain have their own local mythologies, which is hardly surprising in a country which prides itself on its language and regional variations. Here's a brief tour of Spain and its mythology.

Andalusia

Andalusia is the home of the flamenco, so not surprisingly, the mythology here is concerned with passion. The great lover Don Juan, who was dragged to hell by the dead father of a girl he seduced, the beautiful gypsy Carmen and Figaro, the barber of Seville, all figure in Andalusian mythology.

Asturia

Asturia was the home of a beautiful water nymph, the Xana. The Xana would look after travellers, offering food and shelter, and reward good people with fairy treasure. Bad people were said to be driven insane by the beautiful singing of the Xana. Xanas had children, but could not produce milk to fees them, so it was said they changed their babies for human babies, leaving behind the changeling.

Asturia also saw the origin of the Santa Compagna, a procession of the souls of the dead through a parish. Led by a living person, the Santa Compana was said to visit the homes of those who were about to die.

Cantabria

Cantabria, in northern Spain, is green and mountainous. The scenery is spectacular, and the winters can be harsh. Here, the mythology is about goblins, vampires and monsters. The Cuegle was a small but strong three-eyed monster who attacked people and livestock, and stole babies from their cradles. People used to put oak and holly leaves in their babies cradles to ward off the Cuegle.

The Nuberu and Ventolines were the bad and good spirits of the wind respectively, and were believed to influence the weather. The Fish Man of Lierganes was said to live in a cave by the sea, lying in wait for beautiful young girls and stirring up the sea to devastate coastal villages. The Trenti was less sinister. He was an imp who used to hide behind bushes, and leap out to scare unsuspecting passers by. The trenti would also look up ladies' skirts.

Catalonia

Catalonia has a number of legends associated with witches and witchcraft. If someone wanted to become a witch, they'd go to the seashore, undress, and roll around in the sand 7 times, then stand up and make 3 circles. Witches were supposed to have the mark of the devil in one of their eyes, which would have two pupils, or the reflection of the devil's horn. If leaves were blowing around on the rooftop of a house, it was believed to be witches complaining about the family who lived there.

La Guita Xica was said to be a demon who later turned into a dragon to protect the people of Catalonia. Well, with all those witches, they needed some protection! There was also the ghost dog, or Pesanta, who entered people's houses and lay on their chests, giving them nightmares.

Many variations of these legends and myths can also be found in other European folklore, although the names identify these mythological creatures as of Spanish or Moorish origin.