Colombia is known as one of the countries with most richness in myths and legends. These are transmitted orally and kept for the future generations. Here are some of those myths and legends that are part of the Colombian culture and traditions
Madre Monte
The myth of Madre Monte is a popular one amongst farmers and loggers, who generally refer to her for explanations of various natural and inexplicable events in the Andes Mountains. As legend goes she is a burly, elegant lady, dressed in fresh leaves and green moss; regarded as a protector of nature and forest animals, she is unforgiving when humans enter her domain to alter or destroy them. Some even go as far as carrying protective keepsakes or charms to escape her presence.
In small towns where Madre Monte is often considered a sort of deity, residents recognize her cries and howls alongside treacherous weather. Muddy overflowing rivers, floods and severe storms are just a few of the signs that Madre Monte is near, offended by some damaging act committed by men.
Especially susceptible to her wrath are those who have invaded neighboring farmer’s boundaries, been unfaithful spouses, or caused harm to others through shit talking; Madre Monte therefore has a busy schedule.
Patasola
In the midst of the jungle sits a mythical woman who torments any unfaithful spouses who inhabit the thickness of the Andes. Patasola, or “one foot”, lures men by crying for help as a seductive and beautiful woman. Once the man is close, Patasola becomes a horrible one-legged woman with fiery eyes, a ferocious mouth lined with feline teeth, and a disheveled short strand of hair that falls over her face to hide her ugliness.
This condemned creature was once a beautiful married woman with three children. Her husband, who had reason to be jealous after comments from a close friend, decided to set up a series of outings and kept watch of the house in order to prove his wife’s intentions. He unfortunately discovered that she had in fact disrespected their wedding vows; enraged, he struck the man down with an axe, and in a second swing took his wife’s leg. Both died that night.
The husband then took their three children, set the house on fire, and fled the town, leaving the spirit of Patasola to do her ghostly bidding. Many claim to have seen her jumping through the woods on her one leg, moaning and groaning.
