Cadejo
The cadejo is a widespread myth in Central America, present in several different countries.
In Guatemala it is a fabulous animal of great length with the head of a goat, the ears of a rabbit, and the face of a bat.
In Costa Rica it is the soul of a sinful woman who takes the form of a large black dog with long fur and glowing eyes, which during the nighttime hours frightens both animals and humans.
In Honduras and El Salvador, it refers to an evil spirit that wanders in the darkness of the night to announce death. Sometimes it can take on a human form, but its most common appearance is that of a plume or fleece of wool. Other versions from the region describe it as a being about one metre tall that tends to frighten solitary travellers. It pursues them over long distances and emits a wail that can freeze the blood of those who hear it. When the victim is already exhausted from hearing that terrible wail, the cadejo swells to the size of a bull and then crushes the victim. These victims are later found at the sides of the road, frozen and mute for several days. Even so, in general, the victim recovers.