Ciguapa

The Ciguapa is a fascinating creature from Dominican Republic folklore. This mysterious being appears in female human form with distinctive dark blue or brown skin and extremely long, glossy hair that covers her entire body. One of her most notable features is her backwards-facing feet, which create confusing footprints that make her difficult to track.

Primarily nocturnal, the Ciguapa dwells in the high mountains and communicates only through whines or chirping sounds. Those who encounter her face significant danger—looking directly into her eyes risks permanent bewitchment, and according to some legends, she brings death.

The Ciguapa presents a paradoxical nature, appearing beautiful to some observers while horrifying to others. Similar to mermaids in many mythological traditions, she reportedly lures men into forest encounters only to kill them afterward, though some accounts describe her as potentially harmless or benevolent.

Folklore suggests that capturing a Ciguapa requires specific conditions: tracking her during a full moon with a special black and white polydactyl dog known as a "cinqueño."

Despite common belief in the Ciguapa's indigenous Taino origins, historical evidence suggests the legend may be more recent, possibly influenced by European mermaid myths, as no known Taino artifacts depict similar creatures. The legend first appeared in written form in Francisco Javier Angulo Guridi's 1866 story "La Ciguapa," and some scholars note similarities to other mythological beings like the Guaraní Curupí.

Even today, some Dominican Republic residents claim to have encountered this enigmatic forest-dwelling creature.