Anchimayen
Encyclopedia
The Anchimayen is a mythical creature in Mapuche mythology
. Anchimayens are described as little creatures that take the form of small children, and can transform into fireball flying spheres
that emit bright light. They are the servants of a kalku
(a type of Mapuche sorcerer), and are created using the corpses of children.
Anchimayens are sometimes confused with Kueyen
(the Mapuche lunar goddess), because she also produces a bright light.
Mapuche mythology
The beliefs of the Mapuche and their mythology, stories about to the world and creatures born of the extensive and old religious beliefs, next to a series of common legend and myths that belong to the different groups that compose the Mapuche ethnic group .-Description:In the mythology and beliefs...
. Anchimayens are described as little creatures that take the form of small children, and can transform into fireball flying spheres
Ball lightning
Ball lightning is an unexplained atmospheric electrical phenomenon. The term refers to reports of luminous, usually spherical objects which vary from pea-sized to several metres in diameter. It is usually associated with thunderstorms, but lasts considerably longer than the split-second flash of a...
that emit bright light. They are the servants of a kalku
Kalku
Kalku or Calcu, in Mapuche mythology, is a sorcerer or witch that works with black magic and negative powers or forces. The essentially benevolent shamans are more often referred to as machi, to avoid confusion with the malevolent kalku...
(a type of Mapuche sorcerer), and are created using the corpses of children.
Anchimayens are sometimes confused with Kueyen
Kueyen
Kueyen or kuyen is the name that is given to the moon in Mapuche mythology. She is the principal wangulen spirit. Kueyen governs the others wangulen spirits...
(the Mapuche lunar goddess), because she also produces a bright light.