Tradition / Region: Chilean mythology
Alternate Names: none recorded
Category: Mermaid
The Myth
In the mythology of Chiloé, the lord of all waters is Millalobo, ruler of the seas, rivers, and lakes, protector of all creatures that live within them, and father of the sea maidens.
Millalobo was born from the union of a beautiful human woman and a mighty sea lion. Because of this, his form is neither fully human nor fully beast. From the waist up he has the powerful torso of a man, but below he bears the body of a great sea creature, like a pinniped. His face carries both human and animal traits, and his skin and hair shine with a golden color.
Though he cannot speak with human words, Millalobo communicates through deep, roaring sounds like those of a sea lion. Anyone who hears these cries understands his meaning clearly.
From his throne in the waters, Millalobo governs the movement of the tides and the bounty of the sea. When he flaps his great arms, the waves rise and fall. Storms, gales, and calm seas alike answer to his will. He sends fish, shellfish, and all marine riches to humans when he is pleased, and withholds them when angered.
He is also the father of the sea damsels who inhabit the waters around Chiloé, and through them his presence spreads across the coasts and islands.
Thus the people say that whenever the sea roars or the tides shift, it is Millalobo moving in his domain—
the golden lord of the waters,
whose power governs all that lives beneath the waves.
Gallery
Sources
Bestiary.us contributors. (n.d.). Miialobo. In Bestiary.us, from http://www.bestiary.us/miialobo
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
- Christian Ascetic Deep Dive
Philosophical Readings
- Nietzschean Deep Dive
Psychological Readings
- Jungian Deep Dive
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive
Political / Social Readings
- Marxist Deep Dive
Other
- How to Invite The Millalobo