Some of the best-known myths and legends of Antioquia are the patasola, the horseman without zamarros, the soul alone or the madremonte.
The Colombian region of Antioquia is rich in myths and legends. Most are firmly etched in the minds of their inhabitants and have some form of moral.
They are stories that have been transmitted over the years to, among other objectives, scare children and keep unfaithful wives and husbands at bay.
The richness of the folklore of the region finds its explanation in the different populations that have passed through its territory.
From the indigenous people of the area to the Spanish, passing through the African slaves. These sources have given Antioch a varied mythology among which these five figures stand out:
The Patasola
Most of the narratives speak of a beautiful woman who attracts men who walk alone in the jungle. Be it her beauty or her plaintive moans in the distance, she manages to attract walkers within reach.
At this point, the story again has different versions. Some speak of how, as men approach, it becomes a monstrous creature that sucks the blood of its victims.
Others speak of a woman with nasty features and cat teeth who attacks them to the end of their lives.
The Horseman without Zamarros
Known in other areas of Colombia as El Sombrerón, it is a dark figure that is usually displayed at night.
In Antioch he is usually described as a man of great stature, thin, hiding his skull under a wide-brimmed black hat.
The myth tells that he travels accompanied by a black horse like the darkest night. When he meets on the roads men who are being carried away by alcohol, gambling or other vices, he chases them between shouting threats.
The Anima Alone
This legend is widespread in the Antioquia region, which finds its origins in the Catholic religion. In the regions where it has more presence, the myth of the Anima Sola also gains more force.
It is a benign spirit that represents the guardian of the home for many. For others, especially peasants, he is a soul trapped in purgatory.
Help solve tricky problems and find buried riches and lost possessions.
The Madremonte
A legend generally attributed to women in all mythologies. The stories tell of a robust lady, dressed in the colors of nature.
Watch the edges of the forests and the passage of rivers. He faces those who commit a fault or attack against his neighbors.
Sometimes they say that it can confuse walkers and plunge them into a deep sleep. It can also unleash major disasters on the forest and its surroundings.
The Leafhopper
A generally friendly figure who lives in the forest. Like the Madremonte, its legend changes its name in various regions of the world, but it retains certain characteristics, including its appearance covered by moss and verdigris and its fickle character.
You can help those you like to cross the forest safely. But it often makes humans lose themselves in the forest it guards.
Some say that it assumes the shape of a fallen tree. This is why the farmers and ranchers of Antioquia try to respect the dead trees on the ground.
The myth helps a behavior that enriches the forest ecosystem, given the importance of dead wood in terms of biodiversity.
References
- Brand Colombia. Colombian´s myths and legends. Posted in colombia.co
- Manuel D´Alessandro. (2016). La Patasola. Posted in mitosyleyendas.net
- Anjélica García. Legend or myth El Sombrerón. Posted in todacolombia.com
- Javier Ocampo López. (2001). Myths and legends of Antioch the great. Bogotá, DC, Colombia: Plaza & Janés 91-91, 139-140.
- European School of Ibagué. Myths and legends: La Madremonte. Published in colegioeuropeo.edu.co