In the study classification of ″Chilean mythology″, the myths are typically categorized geographically into Northern, Central, Easter Island and Southern Zones.
Northern Zone These myths and legends involve characters closely related to the desert, religious devotion and
mining. Examples include the myth of
Alicanto,
El Carbunculo, 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. At the extreme north is
Chungará Lake about which origin myths are told by the
Aymara people. The legendary
Zapam Zucum is a large-breasted legendary maternal being associated with vegetation, known in Chile as well as neighboring countries.
Central Zone 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.
Easter Island 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.
Southern Zone 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.
Chiloé 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. ==Mythologies and Legends==