Cherufe

The Cherufe is a creature originating from the myths of the Mapuche and Araucanian people of Chile and Argentina. The Cherufe is thought to inhabit magma pools and active volcanoes, and the body of the Cherufe is thought to be made of the same molten materials. The Cherufe is described in various manners.

– Some in cryptozoology believe the Cherufe to be an undiscovered species capable of living in magma pools. Often these are depicted as lizard-like humanoids.

– Some stories say that the Cherufe came to earth as cannibalistic giants disguised as comets. Sometimes they’re described like dragons, or giant humanoids with reptilian skin. These Cherufe prey on any who enter their territory.

– Sometimes Cherufe refers to lesser nature spirits wielded by any and all Kalku. The Cherufe was thought to symbolize comets, fireballs, whirlwinds, and stone axes (which were thought to be sent from the heavens.)

– Some stories depict the Cherufe as a singular figure in the form of a giant immortal monster. This monster caused earthquakes and eruptions unless offered a virgin sacrifice, and would do this to indicate its hunger. After consuming the sacrifice, it lit the head of its sacrifice on fire and threw it out of the volcano. Sometimes it would consume all of a person’s flesh leaving only charred bones, while other times it would simply consume the victim’s life essence. The Cherufe was sometimes known to walk around and instantly cook anyone nearby with their intense body heat, and seeing the fire from the Cherufe was thought to be an omen of death. The sun god (possibly Antu, not specified in research) sent two of his warrior daughters wielding icy swords from space. They drove the Cherufe back but couldn’t kill it as it’s immortal. They guard his volcanic prison, but sometimes the Cherufe escapes and attacks more people until they chase it back to the volcano. 

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