The 10 most popular Mexican myths (and what they mean)

Mexico is a country closely linked to culture, folklore and tradition. There are myths that have passed from generation to generation, becoming part of the popular history of the country. Some are based on real events, while others arise from popular imagination.

Be that as it may, everyone has something fascinating. Knowing the most popular myths of Mexico is a way to get to know the country and get closer to its history and culture. In fact, some of them narrate unique passages and moments in the form of legend, providing that mystical touch characteristic of this country.

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The 10 most popular myths of Mexico

Most of the myths come from pre-Hispanic times. They are stories that have survived the passage of time, being transmitted by oral tradition for years. Once documented, they have already become part of the literary and historical legacy of Mexico.

On the other hand, some of the most popular Mexican myths emerged in modern times. There is a case that deeply impacted the population. Thus, they are already considered part of the best-known and most recounted myths among Mexicans.

1. The eagle, the snake and the nopal

The eagle, the snake and the cactus are symbols that appear on the flag of Mexico. The myths of Mexico associated with these symbols dovetail with some scientific findings. The Aztecs abandoned their territory, and their gods indicated that they should find a new place to establish their people.

The sign was an eagle standing on a cactus devouring a snake. When they saw it they would know that they should settle there. The myth says that, after a 300-year journey, they found this sign. The place corresponds to what is now the capital of Mexico and the ancient city of Tenochtitlán.

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2. The Goddess of the Moon

The myth of the Goddess of the Moon tries to explain the origin of the sun and the moon. This legend is told a lot in the south of the country, although some variants can be found. The story tells a tragic love story that gave rise to the sun and the moon.

Ixchel was a beautiful woman who loved a man. He could not marry without first demonstrating his bravery, so he fought a battle with another man who also sought his love. Treacherously attacked, the man Ixchel loved dies, so she decides to commit suicide to be with him. It is said that they ascended to heaven together, becoming the sun and the moon.

3. La Llorona

La Llorona is one of the most popular myths in Mexico and part of Latin America. In some places where there are lagoons or rivers it is common for the story of La Llorona to be told. It is said that at night a woman's cry is heard looking for her children with a desperate and heartbreaking tone.

This woman is La Llorona, who in pre-Hispanic times did something terrible. Feeling betrayed by a man, she drowned her children and then killed herself. It is said that since then his lament has been heard.

4. The Black Charro

The Charro Negro is a myth from the beginning of the 20th century. This myth arose at the time of the Mexican Revolution, when it was common to see men dressed as charro. Some, mounted on horseback, allowed the girls they met on the road to climb to carry them.

A woman named Adela liked to play with men. One day an extremely handsome charro dressed in black invited her upstairs. Adela didn't think about it, although she already had an appointment. As they climbed they burned in flames and disappeared. It is said that the Charro Negro is the devil who seeks to punish ungrateful women.

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5. Nahuales

Nahuales are part of Mexican folklore. It is one of the most deeply rooted myths in Mexico. It is said that they are people capable of becoming animals, and that they do it to fulfill some mission without being seen or recognized.

Common animals for nahuals are owls, coyotes, and jaguars. In some regions of the country this is very much taken into consideration. When people meet these animals they talk to them like people and bring them food showing them their respect.

6. Chaneques or aluxes

The chaneques or aluxes are smaller beings than the goblins. This myth of Mexico is more ingrained in the south of the country, in states such as Yucatán, Chiapas or Veracruz. It is said that they lend themselves to taking care of the lands planted against animals or thieves.

However, these chaneques or aluxes are naughty with people. They are capable of entering houses and stealing or hiding things. The only way to make a chaneque return objects that he took is by leaving food and water for him every day in the same place.

7. The Chupacabras

The Chupacabra is the most recent myth in Mexico and is already part of popular culture. Just a few decades ago, in 1995, the myth of the existence of an animal that mainly attacked goats emerged. These appeared dead and without a trace of blood.

Although a single video or photograph could never be obtained that confirms the existence of this being, many people claimed to see it. He also allegedly started attacking dogs. To this day it is believed that this being exists and that it eventually attacks.

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8. The Moon Rabbit

The rabbit of the moon is a pre-Hispanic myth that is still valid. It is a story that is explained to children, and it is about why the moon has spots and what they mean. It is said that the god Quetzalcoatl came down to Earth to walk. Night fell and he ended up feeling hungry and tired.

A rabbit passed by and offered him his food, to which Quetzalcoatl refused. Then the rabbit offered himself in sacrifice and this god, recognizing his goodness, raised him to the moon. He promised her that because of his goodness, he would be remembered by all by stamping his figure on the moon.

9. The Black Dog

The legend of the Black Dog tells the story of a powerful sorcerer. This myth is still told among the classic stories of some towns. The Black Dog is said to be a very powerful warlock who for many years mercilessly killed so many men that he lost count.

One day the son of one of the men he murdered found him in a canteen, and attacked him mercilessly until he managed to kill him. However, it is said that in reality the Black Dog is still alive. At any moment he can start killing mercilessly like he did years ago.

10. The Chavarín

El Chavarín tells the story of an ambitious man who went crazy. It is said that during a dry season people starved to death. A man distraught over not having to feed his children invoked the devil and offered his soul in exchange for money.

The devil agreed and gave the man gold. He went crazy and took refuge with that wealth near a river next to a snake that took care of his money. When his wife went to look for him, she only managed to see that he disappeared into the river with a snake. They never found his body, and it is said that he lives in the river being half man and half snake.

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Bibliographic references

• Aguirreche, R. (2019). Mexico Myths, Legends and Tradition.

• Florescano, E. (1995). Mexican myths. Barcelona: Debolsillo.

• Martin, F. (2015). 100 myths in the history of Mexico. Planet Mexico.