What is tlahuelpuchi?

Tlahuelpuchi is a term used in Mexican folklore to describe a type of magical creature or witch-like being that feeds on the blood of infants. It is said to be a shape-shifter, often appearing as an old woman, and has the ability to transform into a bat or nocturnal bird. The tlahuelpuchi is believed to be a curse passed down through generations within certain families, and only women are said to possess this supernatural power.

According to legend, the tlahuelpuchi is able to suck the blood of infants while they sleep, leaving behind small red marks on their bodies. In some versions of the story, the tlahuelpuchi can also possess the ability to control the weather or bring illness upon those it targets.

In Mexican culture, the belief in tlahuelpuchi is often used as a cautionary tale to warn children about the dangers of wandering alone at night or venturing into unfamiliar places. The legend of the tlahuelpuchi continues to be passed down through oral tradition in various regions of Mexico.