Invunche (인분체)

CreatureChile · South AmericaLegendFear 9/10

Description

The most horrifying creature of Chiloé mythology — a firstborn human baby kidnapped by brujos (warlocks) and systematically deformed: one leg twisted behind the back, head turned 180 degrees, tongue split, body rubbed with cat fat. Fed on human flesh until it becomes a mindless cave guardian. Represents the ultimate loss of humanity

Origin & Background

In the legends and myths of Chiloé Island, the Imbunche (Imbunche) is a legendary monster that serves to protect the entrance of a wizard's cave.

The Legend

According to legend, the Imbunche is the first child who has not yet reached nine days old, kidnapped or sold by their parents and handed over to the wizard of Chiloé. The wizard transforms the child into a deformed, hairy monster. In addition to guarding the cave entrance, the Imbunche is used as a tool for the wizards' revenge or curses. The Imbunche only leaves the cave in specific situations and serves to frighten the villagers and foretell misfortune when the wizards are in need.

In Popular Culture

In José Donoso's magical realism novel 'The Obscene Bird of Night,' the Imbunche legend is reinterpreted as a way to prevent a boy from escaping and growing physically by tying him in a sack. Bruce Chatwin recounts the stories of Chiloé's magic and the Imbunche in 'In Patagonia.' Alan Moore features the Imbunche as an enemy in 'Swamp Thing,' where this Imbunche has its legs bent backward and its tongue is not forked. The Imbunche also appears in the animated series 'The Secret Saturdays,' and in Isabel Allende's 2000 novel 'Portrait in Sepia,' a character recalls stories of the Imbunche from their childhood.

This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Imbunche" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia