Waillepen

The Waillepen is a form of undead shapeshifter from Mapuche myth. They are thought to take the form of animals, though they may sometimes appear as a horrific conglomeration of animals, commonly a cow and a sheep. They can also appear in the form of a human. They are evil creatures living in swampy woods known to spread disease and attack newborn animals and babies, causing blindness. It is because of these attacks that blind people are sometimes referred to as Waillepen themselves. They are vampiric creatures that feed on flesh and blood, but also chase prey for extended periods to feed on their fear. The Waillepen can only be defeated by a wise woman referred to as a Machi. She can make charms with the assistance of her familiar to guard against the creature. The creature can only be killed if a prayer is given to Ñenechen in its presence. If these prayers succeed, then the deity grabs the Waillepen and drags it back to the underworld.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

Faron, L. C.. Hawks of the Sun: Mapuche Morality and Its Ritual Attributes. United States, University of Pittsburgh Press, 1964.

Faron, Louis C.. The Mapuche Indians of Chile. United States, Waveland Press, 1986.

Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006

Pratt, Christina. An Encyclopedia of Shamanism. United States, Rosen Publishing Group, 2007.