What is la siguanaba?

La Siguanaba is a mythical creature in Central American folklore, particularly in El Salvador and Honduras. She is said to be a beautiful woman with long, flowing hair and enticing eyes, but her appearance can also be described as terrifying, with a horse-like face and backward feet.

La Siguanaba is known to lure unsuspecting men into the forests by appearing as a beautiful woman, only to transform into her terrifying form once they are alone with her. She is said to be a vengeful spirit who punishes unfaithful or dishonest men by leading them to their deaths or driving them insane.

Some legends also claim that La Siguanaba is a mother who is eternally searching for her lost child, and she may appear to travelers asking for help or asking for their own child to replace hers. It is said that those who refuse her request or mistreat her will face her wrath.

Due to her presence in oral traditions, La Siguanaba's story has many variations and interpretations throughout the region, but she remains a prominent figure in Central American folklore.