Tradition / Region: Chile Mythology
Alternate Names: Chillote Sea Horse
Category: Horse
The Myth
The Caballo Marino Chilote is a legendary aquatic horse from the mythology of the Chiloé Archipelago in Chile. Although horse-like in appearance, it is a supernatural sea creature that resembles the mythical hippocampus.
According to legend, the creature is invisible to ordinary people and can only be seen by those who possess magical powers. It resembles a horse but has a long snout, a flowing golden mane, fins in place of hooves, and the long tail of a fish. Caballo Marino Chilotes are said to exist in many different sizes, ranging from tiny dwarf-like creatures to enormous giants.
The creature serves as the mount of the Brujo Chilote, the powerful sorcerers of Chilote tradition. Riding upon the Caballo Marino Chilote, they travel beneath the sea to reach the legendary ghost ship Caleuche, which sails the waters around Chiloé and is closely associated with magic and the supernatural.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Caballo marino chilote. In Wikipedia, from https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caballo_marino_chilote