Introduction
The Lobisón is a mythical creature with deep roots in Galician folklore and an enduring presence in South American culture. Known as a werewolf-like beast, the Lobisón transforms into a terrifying wolf or dog during full moons, haunting the night and spreading fear.
Its story is one of migration and adaptation, starting in Europe as the Lobishome before traveling to South America during the colonial era. Today, it serves as a cultural bridge between continents, blending European werewolf lore with indigenous beliefs to create a creature both fascinating and fearsome.
History/Origin
The Lobisón legend originated in Galicia, Spain, where it was first known as Lobishome (meaning “wolf-man” in Galician-Portuguese). In Galicia, it was believed that the seventh son of a family was cursed to transform into a wolf-like beast, a superstition that later spread to other parts of Europe.
During the colonial era, Spanish settlers brought the Lobishome myth to South America. There, it merged with local indigenous stories like the Luisón of Guaraní mythology, creating the Lobisón as it is known today. In South America, the Lobisón became associated with Tuesday or Friday nights under a full moon, when the cursed individual would transform into a fearsome creature.
“The seventh son bears the curse of the moon, his fate entwined with the howls of wolves.” (Galician Proverb)
This mix of European and South American elements turned the Lobisón into a unique figure in global folklore.
Name Meaning
The name Lobisón comes from the Portuguese term “lobisomem,” meaning “werewolf.” In Galician, it evolved into Lobishome (“wolf-man”), while in Spanish-speaking South America, it became Lobisón. The name reflects the creature’s wolf-like attributes and its ties to lunar transformations.
Both names, Lobishome and Lobisón, are used interchangeably when discussing its European origins and South American adaptations.
Appearance
The Lobisón is often depicted as a monstrous hybrid of wolf and man:
- Body: Covered in dark, bristling fur, with elongated limbs that retain some human qualities.
- Eyes: Glowing red or yellow, exuding malevolence.
- Teeth and Claws: Sharp and menacing, capable of tearing apart livestock or humans.
- Shape: Lean and wolf-like, but retaining enough human features to evoke uncanny terror.
In some South American versions, the Lobisón is described as a headless black dog or a grotesque, skeletal beast.
Background Story
The Lobisón legend revolves around the curse of the seventh son. In families with seven male children born consecutively, the seventh is said to be cursed to transform into the Lobisón on certain nights. The transformation is uncontrollable and tied to the lunar cycle, often occurring on full moons, Tuesdays, or Fridays.
To break the curse, the seventh son would need a godparent, leading to the Presidential Godparent Law in Argentina, where presidents would adopt seventh sons to prevent infanticide caused by superstition. This legal practice helped preserve the lives of many children and reinforced the Lobisón legend’s societal impact.
Famous Folklore Stories
The Presidential Godparent
In 1907, Argentina enacted a law declaring that seventh sons would automatically be adopted by the President to protect them from infanticide. This stemmed from the belief that seventh sons were destined to become Lobisones. In one famous case, President Juan Perón became the godfather of several children to dispel local fears.
The Headless Beast of Paraguay
Travelers in Paraguay tell of encountering a headless black dog that roams lonely roads at night. This variant of the Lobisón serves as an omen of death. Those who see it must flee or risk being cursed themselves.
The Curse Breaker
In a small Galician village, a man said to be a Lobishome was cured by a local priest. The ritual involved baptism under moonlight at a crossroads, believed to cleanse the curse and restore the man’s humanity.
Cultural Impact
The Lobisón legend is deeply embedded in South American culture, influencing:
Rural Superstitions: Farmers would avoid traveling at night for fear of encountering the beast.
Family Dynamics: The seventh-son superstition led to cultural taboos and legal protections.
Literature and Film: The Lobisón appears in many works, symbolizing transformation and fear of the unknown.
The legend also serves as a metaphor for human duality and the struggle between civilization and primal instincts.
Similar Beasts
The Lobisón shares traits with other werewolf-like legends:
Lobishome (Galicia): Its European ancestor, featuring the same seventh-son curse.
Luisón (Guaraní): The South American hybrid, blending Spanish werewolf lore with indigenous myths.
Lycanthrope (European): The classic werewolf, tied to lunar transformations and ancient curses.
Religion/Ritual
In both Galicia and South America, rituals were developed to address the curse:
Baptism: A seventh son could be baptized under special circumstances to break the curse.
Crossroads Rituals: In Galicia, priests would perform blessings at crossroads to cleanse cursed individuals.
Godparent Law: In Argentina, the practice of granting godparenthood to seventh sons reflects the intersection of religion and superstition.
“Blessed is the child who walks the path of light; the wolf shall not claim him.” (Galician Blessing)
Scientific or Rational Explanations
Modern interpretations of the Lobisón legend point to:
Hypertrichosis: A rare genetic condition causing excessive hair growth, possibly inspiring werewolf myths.
Social Stigma: The seventh-son superstition may reflect historical fears of abnormality or overpopulation.
Psychological Archetypes: The Lobisón could symbolize the human struggle with inner savagery and the fear of losing control.
Modern Cultural References
Film:
“Lobisón: El Hijo de la Luna” (2020 Film)
This Argentine horror film delves into the Lobisón myth, portraying the transformation of a seventh son into a werewolf-like creature. It explores themes of superstition and family curses.
Literature:
“El Lobisón de la Selva” (Novel)
A contemporary novel that reimagines the Lobisón legend within a modern jungle setting, blending traditional folklore with current societal issues
Lobishome Children’s Book
A charming children’s book that introduces young readers to the folklore of the Lobishome, blending mythology with engaging storytelling. The book is popular in Galicia, helping to preserve the region’s cultural legends for future generations.
(Bolanda Article)
Music:
“Lobisomem” by Turma do Folclore
The Brazilian band Turma do Folclore drew inspiration from the Lobisomem legend for their song “Lobisomem,” highlighting the creature’s role in regional folklore.
Alcohol
Lobishome India Pale Ale
A craft beer brewed by Menduíña Craft Beer, inspired by Galician folklore. This India Pale Ale embodies the untamed spirit of the werewolf.
(Menduíña Craft Beer)
Lobishome Wine – Ribeira Sacra
A Galician wine from Bodegas Valdelana, celebrating the mystery of the Lobishome legend, crafted in the heart of Ribeira Sacra.
(Bodegas Valdelana)
Conclusion
The Lobisón is more than a terrifying legend—it’s a bridge between continents, linking the ancient werewolf myths of Europe to the vibrant folklore of South America. Whether as the Lobishome of Galicia or the Lobisón of Paraguay, it symbolizes the enduring power of storytelling and humanity’s fascination with transformation. The legend continues to evolve, captivating audiences with its blend of horror, history, and cultural significance.
