Mapuche Mythology

The Kultrún: More Than a Drum

The kultrún is not just a musical instrument but a living entity in Mapuche belief. Crafted from sacred wood and animal hide, it represents the cosmos, with its circular shape symbolizing the unity of the spiritual and physical worlds. During rituals, the Machi uses the drum to communicate with spirits, its rhythms echoing the heartbeat of the earth.

Symbolism of the Kultrún

The Ñandú: Messenger of the Spirits

The ñandú, a flightless bird similar to an ostrich, is considered a divine messenger. Mapuche legends tell of the ñandú carrying prayers between humans and Ngenechén. Its speed and agility make it a symbol of freedom and spiritual agility.

• Associated with the east – The direction of the rising sun, linked to renewal.
• Feathers in rituals – Used in ceremonies to invoke protection and clarity.
• Myth of the stolen fire – Some tales describe the ñandú bringing fire to humanity, akin to Prometheus in Greek mythology.

Beyond deities, Mapuche mythology speaks of the Ngen, spirits that inhabit and protect natural elements like rivers, forests, and stones. These beings ensure ecological balance and punish those who disrespect nature.

Types of Ngen Spirits

Offerings of food or woven textiles are left for the Ngen to seek their favor. Deforestation or pollution is believed to anger them, resulting in natural disasters.

Mapuche spiritual life revolves around ceremonies that honor deities, ancestors, and natural forces. The most significant is the Ngillatun, a communal prayer for fertility and prosperity.

The Ngillatun Ceremony

Held every two to four years, the Ngillatun involves days of dancing, chanting, and animal sacrifices. Key elements include:

• Reyma – Sacred poles symbolizing the connection between earth and sky.
• Awün – Ritual horse races to demonstrate bravery and unity.
• Kollón – A communal feast where offerings are shared with spirits.

Phases of the Ngillatun

1. Purification – Participants cleanse themselves in rivers.
2. Invocation – The Machi calls upon Ngenechén and ancestral spirits.
3. Sacrifice – Animals (often sheep) are offered to ensure cosmic balance.

Dreams are considered portals to the spiritual realm in Mapuche mythology. Visions often guide individuals to their life’s purpose, such as becoming a Machi or discovering healing herbs.

Symbolic Dream Interpretations

For deeper insights, explore The Met’s Mapuche Collection, UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Cultural Survival’s Mapuche Advocacy.

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The Puma: Guardian and Symbol of Strength

In Mapuche mythology, the puma is revered as a powerful guardian and a symbol of courage. Unlike other cultures that may see the puma as a mere predator, the Mapuche view it as a spiritual ally. Legends tell of pumas protecting sacred sites and guiding warriors in battle. Its stealth and strength make it a metaphor for resilience and leadership.

Roles of the Puma in Mapuche Beliefs

• Protector of sacred lands – Pumas are believed to guard Pillán-inhabited volcanoes.
• Spirit guide – Shamans invoke the puma’s energy during vision quests.
• Symbol of war – Warriors wear puma pelts to channel its ferocity.

The Treng-Treng and Kai-Kai Serpents: Cosmic Balance

One of the most captivating tales in Mapuche mythology involves the eternal struggle between Treng-Treng, the benevolent serpent of the earth, and Kai-Kai, the malevolent serpent of the sea. Their battles symbolize the balance between creation and destruction, echoing natural phenomena like floods and earthquakes.

This myth underscores the Mapuche understanding of nature’s dual forces—neither entirely good nor evil, but necessary for equilibrium.

The Antü: Sun Deity and Timekeeper

While Ngenechén is the supreme creator, Antü personifies the sun as a divine timekeeper. Each sunrise is a rebirth, and solar eclipses are interpreted as moments when Antü battles dark spirits. Mapuche rituals often align with solstices, marking agricultural cycles and spiritual renewal.

Solar Symbols in Mapuche Culture

• Gold jewelry – Worn to honor Antü’s radiance.
• Circular motifs – Found in textiles and pottery, representing the sun’s path.
• New Year celebrations – Held during the winter solstice (We Tripantu) to welcome the sun’s return.

The Kalku: Dark Shamans and Forbidden Magic

Not all spiritual practitioners in Mapuche mythology are benevolent. The Kalku are sorcerers who wield dark magic, often collaborating with Wekufu to inflict harm. Unlike the Machi, who heal, the Kalku manipulate spirits for personal gain, causing illness or misfortune.

Sacred Plants: Bridges to the Spirit World

Flora in Mapuche mythology is deeply intertwined with spirituality. The canelo (Drimys winteri) and boldo (Peumus boldus) are not just medicinal but sacred, used in rituals to purify and communicate with ancestors.

Ritual Uses of Key Plants

1. Canelo – Branches are placed in ceremonial spaces to invite positive energies.
2. Boldo – Brewed into teas for prophetic visions.
3. Maitén – Burned as incense to ward off Wekufu.

The Cherufe: Fire-Dwelling Monsters

Distinct from the Pillán, the Cherufe are monstrous beings said to dwell in lava flows. These carnivorous entities crave human flesh, and volcanic eruptions are sometimes attributed to their hunger. To appease them, the Mapuche historically offered sacrifices—a practice later discouraged by Machi reforms.

• Appearance – Described as reptilian or molten-rock hybrids.
• Weakness – Vulnerable to cold; legends speak of heroes defeating them with ice or water magic.
• Modern symbolism – Represent unchecked natural disasters in contemporary Mapuche storytelling.

Ancestral Worship: The Pillán Küla

The Pillán Küla are ancestral spirits venerated alongside deities. Unlike the distant Pillán, these spirits are familial, offering guidance to their descendants. Rituals involve leaving offerings at kuel (burial mounds) and consulting them through the Machi.

Offerings to the Pillán Küla

For further exploration, visit Chile’s Pre-Columbian Art Museum, Survival International’s Mapuche Page, and WIPO’s Traditional Knowledge Archive.

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The Mapuche Lunar Calendar: Cycles of Ritual and Renewal

Central to Mapuche mythology is their lunar-based calendar, which governs agricultural, spiritual, and social life. Unlike Western calendars, the Mapuche system follows 13 moons, each named after natural events or deities. The new moon (Küyen) holds special significance, marking times for planting, harvesting, and major ceremonies.

Key Months in the Mapuche Calendar

The Wenumapu: Celestial Realm of the Gods

The Mapuche cosmos divides into three worlds: Wenumapu (upper world), Nag Mapu (earth), and Minche Mapu (underworld). Wenumapu is the dwelling place of Ngenechén, Antü, and benevolent spirits. It’s described as a paradisiacal land where ancestral heroes reside, accessible only through sacred portals like mountain peaks or during shamanic trances.

• Star constellations – The Southern Cross (Melipal) guides souls to Wenumapu.
• Rainbow bridges – Temporary pathways for spirits during ceremonies.
• Forbidden to mortals – Except for Machi during vision quests.

Mapuche Oral Tradition: The Epew

The epew are traditional Mapuche fables that blend mythology with moral lessons. Often featuring animals like the zorro (fox) or choyke (ostrich), these stories explain natural phenomena and teach cultural values. Unlike European fairy tales, epew rarely have “happily ever after” endings, instead emphasizing balance and consequences.

Famous Epew and Their Meanings

1. The Fox and the Moon – Explains lunar phases through a fox’s failed attempt to steal the moon.
2. The Lazy Partridge – Warns against procrastination through a bird who loses its nest.
3. The Condor’s Gift – Teaches generosity by recounting how the condor brought fire to humans.

Gender in Mapuche Spirituality

Mapuche cosmology recognizes four genders, each with distinct spiritual roles:

The Ngürüvilu: The Shapeshifting Fox-Serpent

Among Mapuche trickster spirits, the Ngürüvilu stands out—a fox-like creature with a serpent’s tail that inhabits rivers. It creates dangerous whirlpools to drown the unwary but can be appeased with silver offerings. Some Machi claim the ability to transform into Ngürüvilu during healing rituals.

• Appearance – Red fur, elongated body, glowing eyes
• Weakness – Dislikes copper, which disrupts its magic
• Modern sightings – Still reported near southern Chilean rivers

Sacred Textiles: The Spiritual Language of Weaving

Mapuche women’s witral (loom weaving) encodes mythological symbols into ponchos and blankets. Each pattern tells stories of creation, clan histories, or spiritual journeys, making textiles living documents of Mapuche mythology.

Common Motifs and Meanings

The Inchin Mapu: Sacred Ceremonial Grounds

Unlike temples, Mapuche sacred spaces are open-air Inchin Mapu (ceremonial fields). These circular clearings contain:

• Rewe – Carved wooden altar representing the cosmic axis
• Kuel – Burial mounds of ancestors
• Lemong – Fire pits for ritual offerings

Modern Mapuche communities continue to establish new Inchin Mapu, even in urban areas, demonstrating the resilience of their spiritual traditions.

For additional resources on living Mapuche traditions, visit Mapuche Nation, IWGIA’s Chile Reports, and Endangered Languages Project.

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The Mapuche Afterlife: Journey to the Minche Mapu

In Mapuche mythology, death is not an end but a transition to Minche Mapu, the underworld. Unlike Western concepts of hell, this realm has both light and shadow areas, where souls are judged based on their earthly deeds. The journey involves crossing a spiritual river guided by Shumpall, the psychopomp bird.

Stages of the Soul’s Journey

1. Separation – The Machi performs rites to detach the soul from the body.
2. Purification – Spirits cleanse in the Leufu Wenumapu (celestial river).
3. Judgment – Ancestors review the soul’s actions near the Ruka Minche (underworld house).

The Shumpall: Guide of Souls

This black-and-white bird, resembling a magpie, plays a crucial role in Mapuche mythology. It’s believed to:

• Sing at crossroads – Alerting living relatives to a soul’s passing.
• Carry messages – Between the living and the Pillán Küla (ancestors).
• Warn of danger – Its sudden appearance signals impending misfortune.

Sacred Metals: Gold, Silver, and Copper

Metals hold deep spiritual significance in Mapuche cosmology, each representing different cosmic forces:

The Perrimontun: Visionary Divination

Mapuche seers practice Perrimontun, a form of divination using:

• Water scrying – Reading patterns in sacred springs.
• Smoke interpretation – Observing directions of ritual fire smoke.
• Crystal gazing – Using volcanic glass to see future events.

This practice requires years of training and is considered more accurate than ordinary dreams.

The Wanku: Sacred Ceremonial Stones

Certain stones are believed to be physical manifestations of spirits in Mapuche mythology. These Wanku serve multiple purposes:

Weather Magic: The Role of the Kalkutun

Specialized Machi called Kalkutun influence weather patterns through:

1. Rain summoning – Using quartz crystals and chanting.
2. Storm calming – Offering blue cloth to Pillán.
3. Wind direction – Manipulating feather fans in ritual patterns.

These practices remain crucial for agriculture in Mapuche communities.

The Mapuche Warrior Cult: The Toqui and Spiritual Combat

Traditional Mapuche warriors (Weichafe) undergo spiritual preparation involving:

• Animal spirit possession – Typically puma or eagle.
• Protective tattoos – Inked with sacred designs.
• Dream fasting – Seeking visions before battles.

Weapons and Their Spiritual Significance

Contemporary Mapuche Spirituality

Modern Mapuche maintain their spiritual traditions through:

• Urban Machi – Practicing in cities with adapted rituals.
• Digital communities – Sharing knowledge online while protecting sacred information.
• Eco-spiritual activism – Protecting sacred sites from development.

For current Mapuche cultural initiatives, explore Mapuche Foundation, Cultural Survival, and Smithsonian Folklife.

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The Mapuche Star Lore: Celestial Navigation and Mythology

The night sky in Mapuche mythology serves as both a spiritual map and a historical record. Unlike Western constellations, Mapuche asterisms tell stories of ancestral heroes, animal spirits, and cosmic events. The Milky Way (Wünelfe) is viewed as a celestial river where spirits travel between worlds.

Key Mapuche Constellations

The Ngenko: Water Spirits and Sacred Springs

Among the most revered Ngen spirits are the Ngenko, guardians of freshwater sources. These beings:

• Inhabit waterfalls – Particularly those with rainbow formations
• Demand respect – Polluters may face illness or misfortune
• Offer healing – When approached with proper offerings of silver coins

Modern Mapuche communities continue traditional water conservation practices based on this spiritual ecology.

The Mapuche Musical Cosmology

Traditional instruments in Mapuche mythology are not merely artistic tools but sacred technologies for interacting with the spirit world:

Spiritual Instruments and Their Uses

1. Trutruka – Long bamboo trumpet used to call ancestral spirits during ceremonies
2. Pifilka – Small wooden whistle that mimics bird calls to summon animal guides
3. Kaskawilla – Bronze rattles containing quartz crystals for energy cleansing

The Pillán Rayen: Volcanic Flowers of Power

Certain rare alpine flowers growing near volcanoes are believed in Mapuche mythology to be physical manifestations of Pillán energy. These Pillán Rayen (spirit flowers) are:

• Harvested only by Machi – With specific chants and at precise lunar phases
• Used in vision quests – When brewed into teas, they induce prophetic dreams
• Extremely protected – Their locations are closely guarded secrets

The Mapuche Timekeeping System

Traditional Mapuche time measurement combines lunar cycles with ecological markers:

The Mapuche Warrior’s Spiritual Training

Traditional combat training in Mapuche culture involves extensive spiritual preparation:

• Vision quests – Seeking animal spirit guides in mountain isolation
• Metal consecration – Blessing weapons with volcanic stones
• Dream interpretation – Analyzing battle omens from prophetic dreams

This holistic approach to warfare demonstrates the inseparable connection between physical and spiritual realms in Mapuche mythology.

The Mapuche Tree of Life: The Foye

The Foye (Chilean myrtle) is considered the sacred world tree in Mapuche cosmology, connecting:

Its aromatic leaves are used in nearly all Mapuche ceremonies as spiritual conduits.

The Mapuche Four Directions Cosmology

Cardinal directions in Mapuche mythology each hold distinct spiritual meanings:

1. Puel (East) – Direction of the rising sun, new beginnings
2. Willi (West) – Realm of ancestors and setting sun
3. Pikun (North) – Male energy, mountains, strength
4. Lafken (South) – Female energy, oceans, intuition

Ceremonial spaces are always oriented to these sacred directions.

The Mapuche Thunder Stones

Certain unusual stones found after storms are believed to be:

• Physical manifestations of lightning strikes – Called Pillán Kura
• Extremely powerful – Used only by senior Machi for major rituals
• Dangerous if mishandled – Require special consecration procedures

These stones demonstrate the Mapuche understanding of natural phenomena as spiritually charged events.

The Mapuche Wind Spirits

Different wind directions are personified as distinct spirits in Mapuche mythology:

For deeper exploration of living Mapuche traditions, visit Mapuche Nation, Survival International, and Chile’s Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

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