Warlocks of Chiloé

The warlocks of Chiloé ("brujos de Chiloé" or "brujos chilotes" in the Spanish language) are people of Chiloé Archipelago said to practise witchcraft linked to Chilote mythology. The source of their witchcraft is often attributed to a legendary encounter between Basque navigator José de Moraleda y Montero and Huilliche machi Chillpila. Chillpila is said to have defeated Moraleda in a duel of witchcraft, obtaining a book of European magic as reward. Belief in witchcraft was common in the archipelago, reaching such influence that in 1880 Chilean authorities put warlocks on trial who they claimed ruled the archipelago through a secret society.

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