The inhabitants of Chiloe (known as Chilotes) are a very supersitious bunch and mostly fisherman. The following are two examples of myths that are believed, feared, or followed.
TRAUCO
A deformed and ugly dwarf with course and swollen features, roughly dressed with a conical cap. His feet are mere stumps, his voice only grunts, he carries a stone axe or wooden club called "Pahueldún". He lives in the forest and possesses superhuman strength. With his little stone axe he can fell any tree, no matter how large or hard, in only three strokes. He walks with the aid of "Pahueldún". He is usually found seated between the trees weaving his clothes of bark.He likes to chase and attack women with the intention of stealing their virginity. Despite his repugnant appearance, he engenders an irresistible attraction in the hearts of young girls and inspires erotic dreams. Once aroused, the girls arise and leave home, searching for him in the woods. With one look he seduces them, they fall to the ground whereupon he ravishes them.
If anyone tries to bother him he throws them into the air turning them rigid with deformed hands, arms and legs, killing them with his glance or leaving them to die within the year.
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Ministry Implication: Chilotes commenly blame unplanned & unwed pregnancies on this troll and not on a sinful choice by themselves.
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PINCOYA
This goddess of extraordinary beauty personifies the spirit of ocean and shore. The abundance or scarcity of the marine harvest depends upon this lovely creature.Pincoya rises from the depths of the sea, half-naked, draped in kelp and dances on beaches or wave tops. When facing the open sea in her dance there will be an abundant harvest of seafood. However if she turns her face towards the land there will be a want of food.
If the scarcity is prolonged due to the absence of Pincoya it is possible to entice her back by magic ceremonies conducted by witches or magicians.
Pincoya is so beautiful, sensual and attractive that she makes fish swim with their mouths open.
Pincoya comes to the aid of shipwrecked islanders and at times fishermen come across her amongst the rocks combing her long red or blond hair.
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Ministry Implication: Chilote families pray to and worship this "idol" since it is responsible for the outcome of the harvest of seafood.
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Families or individuals using this blog as a springboard for missions discussion in your home, click HERE to read about Chiloe Mythology and talk within your family about how a missionary (or you) would have to deal with each one Biblically.
While I was in Chiloe last month I was walking down by the water watching all the fishing boats and fisherman busy going about their activities, when I came across this beer bottle in the ocean. This picture sums up a major issue that anyone ministering in the islands will face: Satan's lie that alcohol will drown out your problems.
Many of the Chilote fisherman are alcoholics and cause great harm to their fellow shipmates, families, and community. Not to mention the great number of drowning deaths (suicide or accident) that occur out at sea.
The ISLAND has many ISSUES, but God has an answer to all of them, found in His Son, Jesus Christ. In the next post, we will talk about the current ministries in the islands and how to pray for them in a better way.
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