The Anchimayen is a mythical creature of the Mapuche mythology.
Etymology
From mapudungun and Spanish Anchimallén or Anchimalguén.
Description
The Anchimayens are described as little creatures with the size of small children. Anchimayens are sometimes confused with Kueyen (the Mapuche lunar goddess), because she also produces a bright light.
Powers
Anchimayens can transform into flying spheres that emit bright light. They are the servants of a kalku (a type of Mapuche sorcerer), and are created using the corpses of children.
References
- Louis C. Faron. The Mapuche Indians of Chile. Case studies in cultural anthropology. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1968.