Cryptid Corner La Llorona Edition

Welcome to cryptid corner where we explore the wonderful world of cryptids and supernatural beings. Our focus for today is La Llorona also known as the weeping woman or the wailer.

La Llorona's origins trace back to 1550s Mexico City as a story told to children. Llorona is said to roam near water crying for her children that she drowned in a jealous rage when she found out her husband was cheating on her. It is said anyone who hears her cries will suffer misfortune or death. The stories of La Llorona are often fused with La Malinche, who was the Nahua ( indigenous people's of Mexico) woman who was Hernan Cortes's interpreter and also bore his son.

The legend has more than a few versions. The standard version is a woman named Maria marries a rich conquistador and bears two children. One day Maria sees her husband with another woman and in a fit of rage she drowns her children in a river. Consumed by guilt she drowns herself but is unable to pass on and is forced to roam the earth as a spirit. She often depicted at night in a wet white dress while wailing.

The tale of La Llorona has spread all over North and South America and has been popularized in film, music and literature. In fact, La Llorona has appeared in film as far back as 1933 in a self titled film made in Mexico. To this day she remains popular, with films like The Legend of La Llorona starring Danny Trejo and the Mexican horror film Kilometer 31.

The stories of La Llorona have been scaring children for almost 500 years and continue to provide fantastic entertainment.

Remember folks pack earplugs when your going to the beach for a night time dip so you can't hear the wails of La Llorona.