Women in Costa Rican Myths and Legends

From the indigenous cultures to the Spanish settlers

Contributed by Mieke Leenders

From foundational tales that validate our existence to terrifying urban legends that give credit to our deepest fears – our traditions define us. For the indigenous cultures of Costa Rica as well as the whole of Latin America, myths and legends were strongly tied to nature and wildlife. When the time came to give thanks for a blessed harvest or rationalize erratic weather, storytelling became the backbone of society. One of the most crucial protagonists in these legends, was the woman in her most elemental form.

The arrival of the Spanish settlers created new society that told its own stories. Less concerned about explaining the origin of the world which was Catholic by default, the legends turned to defining our darker inclinations as well as our fears. A woman’s place in these tales is varied but still fundamental. She can be a vessel of knowledge unique to her gender, or she can be the cause of insanity and terror for those who are either misguided or unlucky enough to encounter her.