Cadejo

The cadejo (Spanish pronunciation: [kaˈðexo]) is a supernatural spirit in Central American folklore of indigenous origin. It is commonly depicted as a dog-like creature with blue eyes when calm and red eyes when hostile. According to legend, it wanders along isolated roads at night. The myth is also present in several states of Mexico. According to folklore, there are two forms of the Cadejo: a benevolent white cadejo and an evil black cadejo. Both are said to appear to travelers at night. The white cadejo protects travelers from harm and danger, while the black cadejo attempts to kill them (it is sometimes regarded as an incarnation of the devil). In Costa Rica and Panama, the cadejo is instead described as a single black creature that, despite its monstrous appearance, is generally considered harmless. In Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the creature is also known as el cadejos. They are usually described as large, shaggy dogs, sometimes said to be as large as a cow, with glowing red eyes and goat-like hooves, however, they are said to possess more unusual or grotesque features. In traditional accounts, many have attempted to kill the black cadejo but have failed and died in the process. It is said that when a cadejo is killed, its body emits a foul odor for several days before disappearing. Guatemalan and Salvadoran folklore also tells of a cadejo that protects drunk people from those who wish to rob or harm them. Its presence is said to be accompanied by a strong, goat-like odor. It is said that turning one's back on the cadejo or speaking to it can cause insanity.