Tata Duende: The Twisted-Toed Trickster
Written by Phillip LaPalme, Edited by Willow Coyle, top Illustration by Phillip LaPalme, All Rights Reserved.
Today we present you with another Mesoamercian & Sudoamerican legend: Tata Duende. This little guy is considered to be a powerful spirit that protects the jungle and the animals within it — It's up for debate as to his motives towards people. Some accounts say that he’ll guide lost travelers in the jungle to safety although other tales warn children not to go into the jungle as Tata Duende may lead them into the depths of the jungle where they’ll never be seen again. Regardless, Tata Duende is a trickster spirit with features harkening back to European folklore.
Let's Get Technical por un momento... "Tata" doesn't mean what you think it does, LOL... it's is the Mayan word for “Old Man”, or “Grandfather” (who would've guessed??) — "Duende" is Spanish for "imp", "pixie" or "goblin". In Yucatec Maya, of indigenous people of the Yucatán peninsula in southeastern Mexico, the entity is known as "Nukuch Tat" (great father or great elder). Alternatively, Tata Duende is also known throughout many regions as "El Dueño del Monte", meaning “Lord of the Mountain”. The term “Duende” originated as a contraction of the phrase, "dueño de casa" or "duen de casa" (possessor of a house) — a mischievous spirit who inhabits a house. House spirits are part of lore all across the world hearkening back to Paganistic beliefs — you may have heard of European "Brownies" or specifically the Slavic, "Domovoy". So although Tata Duende is regarded as a forest spirit, he can even reside in your home!
Let's go down the rabbit hole…
Those who have witnessed Tata Duende describe him as a diminutive dude- approximately three foot tall man who wears a wide-brimmed hat — sometimes red, sometimes black and he is usually clad in animal skins or rags. He's said to be carrying a machete, guitar or walking stick and may even be smoking a cigar. You know, pretty much like any post-apocalyptic badass. The most distinguishing feature of Tata Duende (aside from his killer attire and tiny-ness) are his backwards feet and lack of thumbs; features reminiscent of that hairy beast El Sisimito! We feature that fabulous furryman here: https://www.weird-wanderings.com/down-the/yes-central-america-s-got-a-big-hairy-guy-too
The trait of the backwards feet (also thoroughly covered in our recent article here) is said to serve as a way to throw people off of Tata Duende’s trail; confusing them and leading them in the wrong direction. If you encounter him, hide your thumbs as he desires them! If you hide your thumbs in the palms of your hands, Tata Duende may think you are like him — Failure to hide your thumbs may result in him biting them off. Or... perhaps it's just a manipulative scare tactic that parents use to get their kiddos to stop sucking their thumbs?? Hmm... Either way, Tata Duende has another characteristic that confuses would-be victims — His whistle. While in the jungle, if you hear his whistle and it sounds very near, fear not as he is actually far away. On the other hand, If his whistle sounds far off, he is very near and you’re strongly advised to beat feet.
Like the spooky El Sombrerón (which was already featured, so keep up!: https://www.weird-wanderings.com/down-the/waitwas-el-sombrer%C3%B3n-fae), Tata Duende is also said to braid the manes of horses and the hair of young girls — yet another trickster quality.
Though the legend of Tata Duende is often used as a cautionary tale, and he is portrayed as borderline evil, he is also seen by many as a protective forest spirit. He is said to help the lost find their way, cure them of ailments and even feed them. He is also a protector of the jungle fauna — It is said that he will punish those hunters who take more game than they need, taking their heads to decorate his home. As a typical trickster, he can also shape shift, taking on the form of an animal or even someone you know. All of these characteristics make Tata Duende seem like a member of the Fae-Folk; could he be??
Not that we encourage you stalking or hunting this little guy, as post-Spanish Colonialism's version of the legend tells, the best time to spot Tata Duende is when it rains or during the season of Lent, specifically Good Friday. It’s possible this aspect of the legend was used as a cautionary tale warning children against being wasteful; specifically with food.
Tata Duende is also said to be the guardian of treasures, not unlike a Leprechaun. Those who seek treasure can request a meeting with the entity by carving a message into a tree. (Please do NOT do this- it very much can harm or kill a tree!!) An offering must also be made which consists of a white rooster on a white sheet and it is said that this is best done at noon. The purpose of the rooster offering is not entirely clear, although cultures around the world revere the white rooster, imbuing it with such symbolic meanings as luck, pride, resurrection and more.
Should Tata Duende need further convincing, you may also offer him your first born child. (also something we obviously don't condone) It’s not said what treasures the old goblin possesses but they must be good if you’re offering up your first born child! Tata Duende may also be conjured up by a shaman through ritual involving incense. Another reason to summon Tata Duende, aside from treasure, is to be imbued with musical talent — He will teach you to play any instrument you desire. Between the offerings, including talk of first born children, and the bestowing of musical prowess, Tata Duende sounds a lot like a Crossroads Demon!
It seems that Tata Duende might be an amalgamation of other Mesoamerican legends and cautionary tales rooted in a Fae-realm foundation. With very similar commonalities between Tata Duende, El Sisimito, El Sombrerón and many more, it’s hard to tell what originated where — It’s a chicken and egg scenario.
Many of the aspects surrounding the legend are missing context now lost to time, not unlike many deteriorating stories told around the world. From house to forest spirit, to trickster or possible demon, Tata Duende is a folkloric tool used to steer people away from potential danger, comply with cultural norms and perhaps also add a little magic to the everyday lives of people in rural areas. Could there be a real goblin (or goblins), out there in the jungles and forests or Central America? Or perhaps there are some mischievous, Leprechaun-looking jungle hermits whose shenanigans have sparked a rich folkloric history — With themes of luck, treasure and diminutive forest beings, I'd say Leprechauns are a contender here. Some have even attributed sightings of Tata Duende to that of some savvy Spider Monkeys, or the legend of the Mono Brujo. What do you think? Do you have any similar tales to tell, explanations or further information? Please let us know what you can about this forest-dwelling goblin entity of Central America.
References & Further Reading:
https://ambergriscaye.com/25years/elduende.html
https://ldfieldjournal.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/belize-folklore-tata-duende/
https://solquintanaroo.mx/leyendas-el-tata-duende/
https://medium.com/barefoot-diary/beware-the-ta-ta-duende-bdc4ac839a99
https://es-academic.com/dic.nsf/eswiki/1445825
https://worldbirds.com/rooster-symbolism/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Duende
https://wormholeriders.com/blog/2012/07/15/destination-truth-the-haunted-forest-search-for-the-tata-duende/
The tiny guy coincidentally was hiding by the coffee in Leyendas Cafe & Bookstore where Willow edited this article!
