legends

Legends from Mexico

By Yolanda Pagan

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• I can understand and explain some Mexican legends.

• I can compare and contrast cultural legends and their meanings.

​Objetivo:

Open Ended

What is a legend?

A story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot be proved to be true.

​What is a legend?

Have you ever heard a scary or mysterious story that people in your town believe?


Think-Pair-Share

What was it?

Where did it come from?

La Llorona is a legendary figure in Mexican and Latin American folklore. According to the legend, she was once a beautiful woman named Maria who drowned her children in a fit of rage and now searches for them eternally as a wailing ghost. Her loud, wailing cries, "Mis hijos! Mis hijos! ¿Dónde están mis hijos?" ("My sons! My sons! Where are my sons?"), are said to lure adults and children to their untimely deaths.

​La Llorona -The tragic ghost mother

Multiple Choice

What emotion is most strongly connected to the story of La Llorona?

• Joy

• Guilt and sorrow

• forgiveness

• Confidence

Multiple Choice

What is the moral lesson of the story La Llorona?

• You should never go near a river at night

• Mothers should always listen to their children

• Actions driven by rage can lead to deep regret and eternal consequences.

• Ghosts are always looking for someone to haunt.

1. Can you think of a legend from your culture or other that serves a similar purpose?

​Share

Medea is a sorceress, whose husband, Jason, left her and her children to remarry Glauce, the daughter of King Creon. Medea plots her revenge full of passion and distress. Her revenge results in the murder of Glauce, King Creon, and her two children.

​Greek myth of Medea

​Compare to:

​Similarities?

​La Pascualita is a mannequin in a bridal shop window in Chihuahua, Mexico, that has been on display since 1930. Legend has it that the mannequin is so lifelike because it's actually the embalmed body of the shop owner's daughter, who died on her wedding day. Locals claim to have seen her eyes move and believe she brings good luck to brides.

​The Legend of La Pascualita - The living mannequin

​How do urban legends like this influence local culture and tourism?

Multiple Choice

What makes La Pascualita different from other mannequins?

• She is made of wax

• She is believed to be a preserved corpse

• She talks at night

• She is dressed like a bride

Multiple Choice

Where is La Pascualita located?

• In a famous museum in Mexico City

• In a bakery in Oaxaca

• In a bridal shop window in Chihuaha

• In a school in Puebla

​Can you think of a similar legend or story in your area?

Hunted dolls

​Compare to:

Similarities?

In Mexican folklore, Nahuales are humans who can transform into animals, such as jaguars, eagles, or coyotes. They are often considered protectors or shamans with a deep connection to nature and the spiritual world.

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​Nahuales - Shape shifting beings

Multiple Choice

What do you think is the purpose of the Nahuales legend in Mexican culture?

• To encourage children to become shapeshifters.

• To explain the origins of pets.

• To show a connection between human and nature

• To warn people not to trust strangers

Similarities?

​Compare to:
Werewolves, Navajo skinwalkers

• Draw your monster or character.

  • Make sure the drawing shows their personality and traits!

• Write this sentence in Spanish at the top of your paper:
  👉 “(Name of your monster) es _____ y ______.”

  • Use two adjectives from our list to describe them.

  • For example: Arturo es inteligente y estudioso.

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​Create your own monster or legend

1. The origin of your monster or legend

2. Why your monster is described with those adjectives.

3. For example: Arturo was once a kind teacher, but he got cursed after laughing at a legend. Now he is always studying and learning and reading every book find out how he can remove the curse.

​Write a short paragraph in English explaining: