Tabudo

water-spirit · El Salvador · Mesoamerica

El Tabudo ('Man of Big Knees') is a water-spirit or lake-guardian of Salvadoran folklore tied to Lake Coatepeque in Santa Ana department. Legend says a rich lakeside landowner was dragged beneath the water and returned months later transformed, with swollen knees and a fish-like appearance; he now haunts the lake, sometimes appearing as a fisherman to lure people in.

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