The Sea Horse

The Sea Horse is a magical animal used by chilote warlocks. It?s said it looks like a regular horse, only much larger. It?s got a golden mane, a long snout and fins instead of hoofs. It can carry up to thirteen warlocks, who use it to get to the Caleuche or to sail along the ocean.

Myths and Legends of Chile The sea zone: The Sea Horse Stories that make waves Chilean sea: exhaustless wealth What you must know

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It lives deep in the sea, in front of the western shores of the Chiloe archipelago. It feeds on seaweed, especially luche and cochayuyo, which explains its greenish yellow color.

Only warlocks can see sea horses, hence only they may enjoy their services. When they’re in need of one of these animals they approach the shore and whistle four times. That’s all it takes to summon a sea horse. The warlock quickly lassoes the beast with a stand of rope made of sargassum (another seaweed), which they use as a set of reign to guide the horse. During their outings, warlocks choose the horse they like best and leave a permanent brand, placing them under their permanent charge.

These animals live for only four years. It is said that when they die they turn into a gelatinous blob that then dissolves in the sea, sometimes washing ashore.

Description: it is an aquatic animal with an unpleasant appearance. It looks a little bit like a regular horse, only much larger. It’s got a golden mane, a longer snout and fins instead of hoofs.
Diet: it eats seaweed, mainly luche and cochayuyo, which explains its greenish yellow color.
Region: it lives in the depths of the sea, in front of the western shores of Chiloe (Region of Los Lagos) and the surrounding islands.
Domestication: it is said that warlocks choose their seahorse while the Caleuche sails beneath the sea. They use the beast to get close to the ghost ship. At that moment, each warlock brands the animal to keep it under they permanent command and lassoes it with a rope made of sargassum (a seaweed).
Moral or lesson: you can always count on a loyal friend.
Stories that make waves: Many legendary tales have Chilean seas as the backdrop: love tragedies, hidden treasure and sublime characters inspired by the salty waters of the ocean.

PALABRAS CLAVE

• "The Sea Horse"

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