The Legend of “La Mona”

Much can be said about Latin American legends, but if we seek to know part of the oral tales of the Costa Rican culture “La Mona” is one of the cryptids – mysterious animal species that have not been investigated by science and could be pure speculation or mythology – more representative and inserted in the experiences of thousands of Costa Ricans and their ancestors.

The legend tells that on hot Guanacaste nights, near midnight and always under the full moon, a horrifying-looking woman stalks those who walk the dark roads. If someone dares to look at her, they will discover a woman with the face of an ape, of very short stature, completely covered with hair, and her eyes, red and penetrating, will make even the bravest feel an indescribable terror.

Sometimes, she dares to jump on the roofs of the houses to scare the inhabitants with her screams and scratches on the walls, many times sent to torment someone in particular, other times she only decides to terrorize the first Christian who appears in her path.

It is said that this woman is a witch who transforms night after night, to go out to do her antics under the cloak of the stars. This character is a cultural mixture, originating with the Chorotega people, who combined and based their stories with the beliefs of the nahuales (Aztec and Mayan cultures) and the colonial traditions related to European witches.

Locals, especially older people, explain that to combat La Mona, the victim must overcome his fear and say out loud Christian prayers against her, drive a crosshead (a machete in the shape of a cross) into the ground, throw a fist of corn, mustard seeds or salt, and finally throw their hat face up. They say this will compel La Mona to pick up the grains, without stopping  until she reverses her spells and vows never to haunt anyone again.

They say this will compel La Mona to pick up the grains, without stopping until she reverses her spells and vows never to haunt anyone again.