Mitos y Leyendas: The Legend of the Caraú Bird

• Genny de Bernardo shares with you the legend of the Caraú, a bird with a peculiar sound.
• A young man, tall, elegant, and talented was a good dancer, but this would be a reason for tragedy.
• The transformation he undergoes leads him to always weep for a mistake that can never be forgiven.

In the vast territories of Corrientes, there is a bird known as the Caraú, whose name echoes like its onomatopoeic squawk.

This bird, with its deep black plumage and clumsy flight, finds its home in the lagoons, marshes, and wetlands of the region, as if it were destined to live there since time immemorial.

However, what sets it apart from other birds is its characteristic cry, a call it emits on the quiet nights of the region or when it senses the proximity of an intruder in its community.

But beyond its name and peculiarities, the Caraú is also the protagonist of a fascinating legend that has been passed down from generation to generation in the culture of Corrientes.

A Young Man Caring for His Sick Mother

This legend tells the story of a young man named Caraú, a handsome and talented dancer, musician, and singer who lived in close company with his mother, to whom he dedicated all his care and concerns.

One fateful day, his mother’s health severely deteriorated, and Caraú did everything within his reach to provide her with homemade remedies to alleviate her suffering.

Despite his efforts, his mother’s health did not improve, leading him to make the decision to travel to the nearest town, several leagues away, in search of medical help.

On his way to the town, Caraú came across an unusual event: a lively dance that piqued his curiosity. Driven by curiosity, he decided to join the celebration.

Caraú Gets Lost in the Dance

Soon, he found himself among the dancers and was captivated by the presence of a young woman of extraordinary beauty who shared his enthusiasm for dance.

Her grace and charm stood out among all present, and both were irresistibly attracted to each other.

Throughout the night, Caraú and the enigmatic young woman danced with passion and joy, temporarily forgetting the problems of his sick mother.

However, at dawn, a friend of Caraú brought him the devastating news that his mother had died during his absence.

The Young Man’s Remorse

Faced with the news, Caraú replied with resignation, saying: «There is still time to cry, my good friend.»

However, tormented by deep remorse, he left the dance and hurried back to his home to take care of his mother’s affairs.

According to the legend, what happened next is equally astonishing. Caraú, troubled by his guilt and pain, began a long pilgrimage through the vast territories of Corrientes, finding no comfort.

His dark clothes, torn by the passage of time and the elements, gradually turned into feathers. His arms became wings, and his body took the shape of a bird.

The Eternal Weeping of the Caraú

Finally, he completely immersed himself in the life of the marshes and wetlands, where he spent his days and nights weeping for his lost mother.

The legend also tells that the mysterious young woman who detained him at the dance also underwent a similar transformation, assuming the form of a pollona.

Since then, both, the Caraú and the pollona, roam together through the intricate landscapes of Corrientes in a constant pilgrimage, as an eternal search for redemption and solace amidst the beauty and melancholy of the region.

Mitos y Leyendas bids you farewell for now and thanks you for your preference and attention. We hope you enjoyed the legend of the Caraú. Until next time!