The Spanish legend of El Coco frightened kids and was utilized by dad and mom to make their kids fall asleep. However what actually was behind the horrible legend in regards to the little one devouring monster that might come for you?
Fall asleep little one,
fall asleep now,
the coconut is coming
and it’ll eat you
Many Spanish dad and mom spook their kids by cautioning them about El Coco, a Boogeyman monster who snatches kids away in the event that they misbehave or refuse to sleep. It has additionally been related to a horrible crime that was like a manifestation of the previous legend.
Learn extra: Take a look at all of our ghost tales from Spain
Dad and mom warn their kids of El Coco utilizing the favored rhyme, “Duermete niño, duermete ya, que viene El Coco y te comerá.” (“Sleep little one, sleep now, or else Coco will come and eat you.”
Origins and Cultural Variations of the El Coco Legend
The legend of El Coco has its roots in Galician Spanish and Portuguese folklore, but it surely has unfold to varied international locations and cultures all over the world, every with their very own distinctive variations.
In Spain, El Coco is commonly depicted as a darkish, shadowy determine lurking within the night time. Some say that he seems on moonless nights and places mendacity kids in a sack and turns them into cleaning soap.
Different cultures have their very own variations of the legend, such because the Bogeyman in English-speaking international locations and the Sack Man in France.

The origins of the legend could be traced again to the seventeenth century when the primary lullabies have been written down, the place dad and mom would use tales of monsters and boogeymen to frighten their kids into behaving. These cautionary tales served as a method to instill self-discipline and obedience in kids, as they believed that the specter of El Coco would maintain them in line.
Over time, the legend developed and have become deeply ingrained within the collective consciousness of assorted cultures. And with time, the story of Coco unfold to Latin America that additionally put their very own contact on the legend.
Terrifying Tales and Encounters with El Coco
All through historical past, there have been quite a few chilling tales and alleged encounters with El Coco. These tales have been handed down from era to era, fueling the concern and fascination surrounding the legend. One such story recounts the story of a younger boy who was kidnapped by El Coco and by no means seen once more. The boy’s dad and mom claimed to have seen a darkish determine with glowing eyes and a black fabric bag lurking outdoors their house on the night time of the kidnapping.
Maybe essentially the most terrifying factor about that is that it’s nicely in with a horrible actual crime that occurred to a baby.
The Actual El Coco Francisco Ortega
An actual person who has been related to El Coco was Francisco Ortega. In 1910 he lived in Gador in Spain with no household, alone in his home. He had tuberculosis and was close to dying.
On the time there was no treatment for tuberculosis, however Ortega didn’t need to die. He went to a healer referred to as Francisco Leona that additionally practices black magic. He advised Ortega he wanted the blood of a kid and 3000 reais to pay the healer.
They kidnapped a seven 12 months previous named Bernando from his home and put him in a sack. Leon reduce the kid’s coronary heart out with a knife and crushed his head with a rock. They drank his blood, put his coronary heart in a jar and used his physique to make a medical paste.
Leona removed the physique with the assistance of Julio. However Julio didn’t obtain any funds so he went to the police and turned them in. They have been all arrested and sentenced to dying.
The Goodnight Story El Coco
The legend of El Coco is a haunting story that has been handed down by way of generations, instilling concern and fascination in kids and adults alike. Its origins in Spanish folklore have unfold to varied cultures, every with their very own distinctive variations of the legend. All through historical past, there have been terrifying tales and alleged encounters with El Coco, fueling the concern and intrigue surrounding the creature.
Extra like this
Latest Posts
References:
Crime of Gádor – Wikipedia
Easy Tales in Spanish: La Leyenda del Coco
Coco (folklore) – Wikipedia
La Leyenda del Coco