Tlacuache legend

 

Now I consider appropiate mentioning about tlacuache, a mythical animal, which I had wanted to describe in cultural essay but I found this topic to ancient (we were supposed to write a mythic symbol in Spanish contemporary literature). I coudn’t permit myself to leave an idea of studying about this little creature you can see below. Let’s talk about the significant Mesoamerica’s  symbol.

The legend tells a story of tiny Mexican marsupial. It brought flame and knowledge to mankind. Tlacuache is a very important animal for mazatecas. Repeatedly, it is compared to Prometheus, who according to Antient Greeks brought flame to humanity.

Before people knew the application of flame, darkness and cold had been controling nights. This way live was difficult. The darkness made people eat raw food and the cold froze their bodies. All humankind was waiting winter’s end.

It is said that some day appeared a star that soon fell. An old lady took the light and brought it to her home. Few people asked her to share the light but she denied. It was the reason why socjety began to meet and talk about finding the light. During these meetings turned up tlacuache. It said that it wanted to help them. All participants started to laugh and even taunt. However, tlacuache admitted that their fun wasn’t appropiate and decided to achieve the target.
- This night you will see. I am going to fulfil the promise.

Then tlacuache want to the old lady’s home and asked her wether she would allow him to come closer and warm up. Naturally she was moved by his appearance, so she agreed. In the least expected moment tlacuache put its tale to the flame and run out in order to share his prey. This is how this little thing achieved the unattainable. That’s why its tale is bare.

Unfortunately, the mankind is still hunting it.