Misunderstood Monsters Episode 11: El Chupacabra and Other Cryptids

Our feature monster for this episode is that curiosity of the Caribbean – and other regions across Central America and the American Southwest – El Chupacabra. We'll explore its relatively recent identification and its potential mythological roots in Taino and Aztec stories. We'll also introduce a few other cryptids of the Americas!

Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board!

All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales.

Transcript for Episode 11

If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!).

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Stuff to Read: 

• El Chupacabra
  • American Natural History Museum: Modern Myths
  • How Stuff Works: El Chupacabra: Legend, Sightings & Facts 
  • National Geographic: Chasing chupacabras? You may find something even more extraordinary here.
• Xolotl:
  • Xolotl: Aztec God for the Motion of Life
  • X is for Xolotl (Folktales of Endangered Species)
• Cryptids:
  • Cryptids of North America
  • Map of Cryptids in America
  • Squonkapalooza Festival

Stuff to Watch: Our curated YouTube playlist for this episode!

Images: