El Cuco

From TinWiki.org

El Cuco, Coco or Tuto, is a Latin American mythical monster, comparable to the classic bogeyman mythotype.

Contents 1 Origin 2 Description 3 Purpose 4 Popular Culture 5 External Links 6 Relevant Discussion Threads

Origin

It is believed that the myth of the Cuco originated in Spain, though it is not clearly known when the legend of the Cuco began to be spread.

Description

There is no general description of the Cuco, as far as facial or body descriptions, though some versions of the monster portray it as a dark humanoid figure, vaguely similiar to an Ape, with no other definable features. The name could as well suggest a relation to the Cuckoo bird or clocks.

Purpose

The legend of the Cuco is widely utilized by parents in Spain and Latin American countries in order to make their children behave, and more commonly to go to sleep early, by telling them that if they do not listen to them and do as they say, the Cuco will come and take them away.

Popular Culture

In the early nineties posters of a Mexican cave with a pair of glowing red eyes emenating from the darkness with the word "Cuco", or in some instances "Tuto" could be seen.

External Links

• The Cuco Story in English

• The Cuco Story in Spanish (El Cuento del Cuco)

Relevant Discussion Threads