As far back as the 16th century, Latin American mythology has told of a terrifying entity. Allegedly, a poor woman named Maria married a much more well-off man and had kids with him, only for the man to shun his new bride for another more desirable woman from an affluent background. Completely heartbroken and blindsided by this unfortunate action, Maria drowns her children in a river. However, she begins to feel guilty about it and forces the same fate on herself. The tale is often associated with loud bloodcurdling shrieks and screams in the distance. Typically dressed in white, Maria is believed to still be around looking desperately for her dead offspring. There can be multiple morals and lessons learned from this creepy tale, depending on which civilization or culture you follow. The Aztecs assimilate the legend to the goddess Cihuacoatl weeping to warn of the impending doom of Tenochtitlan. In colonial times, it blended with European themes, like Greek Medea, to share the consequences of infidelity and sin in marriage and family. More generally, many cultures use it as a warning that parents give children to avoid deep waters and dark places.
Legend of La Llorona
