Tradition: Argentine Mythology, Uruguayan Mythology
Alternative Names: Evil Light, Luz Mala
Category: Flame
The Myth
The Luz Mala, meaning “Evil Light,” is one of the best-known supernatural phenomena in the folklore of Argentina and Uruguay. It is especially feared in rural areas, where mysterious lights are said to appear far from towns and settlements. The phenomenon takes the form of an intensely bright ball of light that floats just a few inches above the ground, illuminating the surrounding darkness with an eerie glow.
The appearance of the Luz Mala is traditionally regarded with fear and suspicion. Its strange, low-floating light is associated with the mysterious and potentially dangerous forces believed to inhabit the countryside. For generations, stories of these glowing spheres have contributed to the legend of the Evil Light, making it an important part of the rural folklore of both Argentina and Uruguay.
Sources
“Will-o’-the-wisp.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 10, 2026. Section: “Americas.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will-o%27-the-wisp#Americas