Chilean mythology

These myths and legends involve characters closely related to the desert, religious devotion and mining. Examples include the myth of Alicanto, la Lola, el Yastay, the Achaches, the Umpillay, and the Quilpaná. Other legends are Juan Soldado, the treasure of Guayacán, the Payachatas, La Tirana and the virgin of Andacollo. The northern myths draw upon the Inca and pre-Incan civilizations, but they became distinguished through a rooted base in Spanish colonialism.

These myths assimilated of many mythological characters from Mapuche tribal beliefs.

The Spanish initially settled in the central zone, the most populated, leading to a unique mixture.

This zone hosts many legends modified from the oral tradition. Some of the mythical figures include Pedro Urdemales, la Calchona, la Llorona, el Culebrón, el Chonchón and the Piuchén. Legends include the Inca Lagoon, the Burial of Cacique Vitacura and Rere's Bell. Additionally, stories discuss the appearance of the devil and encounters with witches.

Another is the legend of the treasure of Juan Fernández, in the Juan Fernández archipelago.

The most important myth source is Easter Island. The inhabitants of Easter Island, the Polynesian Rapa Nui people, created singular explanations about the creation of man and their land. Examples of these myths include: Make-Make and Aku-Aku.

This zone was also influenced by Mapuche indigenous beliefs. Legends include the City of the Caesars, The Three Pascuales, and spirits of Mapuche beliefs like Pillán, the Wangulén, the Wekufes, the Anchimallén, Tented and Caicos, and the Cuero.

The Chiloé Archipelago has its own stories, due to the geographical isolation and the union of indigenous and Spanish traditions. Natural phenomena such as mist, strong winds, thick forests, and rough seas feature in legends there. The most important are the Caleuche and the Trauco, followed by the Fiura, the Pincoya, the Invunche, the Camahueto, the Basilisco chilote, and the Millalobo.