Kaleuch: a ghost ship controlled by magicians (11 photos)
Strange stories are told of a terrifying ship that roams the seas of Chile, a ghost ship manned by the damned and commanded by a dark sorcerer. The ghost ship Caleuche has captivated the minds of sailors and landlubbers alike for generations. 
Its origins are shrouded in mystery. This ghost ship has been the subject of countless tales and legends, each offering its own unique take on its history. Where did these stories come from, and why does the Caleuche strike fear into the hearts of Chilean sailors? And could these stories be true?
What is the Caleuche? 
Chiloé
The Caleuche is a ghost ship that originates in the mythology of the people of Chiloé Island in southern Chile. Its name comes from a portmanteau of two other words: the Mapuche word Kalewtun, meaning "transformation or change," and che, meaning "people." The ship has many names, including the "Enchanted Ship," the "Barcoiche," and the "Ship of the Sorcerers."
There are many different versions of the legends that describe the ship and explain its origins. 
The ship is said to move through the channels of Chiloe with amazing speed. Although it is not always visible, people are said to instinctively sense its approach. It can be seen on foggy days, cutting through the fog like a knife through soft butter.
Eyewitnesses say that the ship resembles an old Spanish galleon. It is described as a shining white ship with three masts and five sails. Legends say that it shines with lights.
The ship is said to emit sounds of music and merriment, as if there is always a celebration or festivity going on aboard. Those who are drawn to the sounds often claim that the ship disappears when mortals approach it, or becomes intangible, allowing ordinary ships to pass right through it.
Divine Origin 
The purpose of the ship and those who work on it varies according to the version of the legend. The oldest version connects the ship with the old mythology of the Chilotes, the inhabitants of the archipelago, and their pantheon of gods.
In this version, the ship is a living creature created by El Millalobo, the second most important sea god of Chiloé, for his children. Millalobo and his children were known as the royal family of the sea. One daughter, Sirena Chilota, was a type of mermaid, and the other daughter was Pincoya, a type of water spirit. The son was named Pincoy. 
Pincoya and Pincoy searched the waters for sailors who had died at sea. They then brought them to the ship, where the men were brought back to life. Once on the ship, the undead sailors steered it, enjoying their favorite work and endless partying. 
Brujo Chilote - the sorcerers of Chiloe are a secret coven of male sorcerers
This is a story about a ghost ship, so there are darker versions. In them, the ship is controlled by Brujo Chilote - an evil sorcerer. In this version, the ship travels the oceans, luring naive sailors. 
Invunche
The Caleuche kidnaps sailors and people from land and then forces them to serve on the ship for eternity. The unlucky victims have one leg fused to their spine so they cannot escape, and they are transformed into creepy creatures called invunches.
The locals were afraid of being seen and captured. It was said that the only way to escape was to hide behind certain trees, such as the Chilean wineberry.
The Ship of the Sorcerers 
The latest and most modern version of the story is that the ship was used by the sorcerers of Chiloé as a magical transport. They would take it on a trip every three months to recharge their powers. In this version, the ship still belongs to Milalobo, and it is said that only the crew can board it. Which explains why the ship tends to disappear or become intangible when approached by mortals.
Over time, people began to believe that some local merchants would make deals with these sorcerers in exchange for wealth and success. When a man from Chiloe quickly achieved wealth or fame, it was often said that he had made a Faustian bargain with the captain of a ghost ship.
What these treaties actually are is still unclear. Some say that the merchants must allow the rowdy crew to hold debauched parties in their homes when the ship docks, while others say that they must allow the crew to use their homes for dark, sinister rituals. 
Aftermath of the Earthquake
In 1960, the Valdivia or "Great Chilean Earthquake" struck the region, causing fires, landslides, tsunamis, and floods. Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, some homes remained untouched, giving rise to many superstitious rumors that the owners of these homes had made a pact with the crew.
Around the same time, a rumor spread that many wealthy merchants in the area were dropping anchors off their houses as a sort of calling card. They had made a deal and were to be avoided.
Origin of the Legends 
The Chiloe Coast
There are several hypotheses about the origin of these legends. The most popular is that the Chiloe Archipelago is quite remote, and the people living on these islands were isolated for a long time. They were an independent, self-sufficient people who relied on the sea for almost everything.
The sea was an important part of their lives, and they used it to explain their encounters with the outside world. It is believed that when ships from the Netherlands first arrived in the region in 1600, the locals explained the appearance of these strange vessels by linking them to local mythology.
Others argue that the myths are an adaptation/assimilation of outside legends into Chiloe mythology. The Caleuche, for example, bears striking similarities to the stories of the Flying Dutchman. 
A more mundane explanation is that local smugglers seized on these legends and popularized them as a way to explain their illegal activities.
If so, the Caleuch certainly deserves an ingenuity prize.
Whether it is a real ghost ship or simply a figment of the collective imagination, the Caleuch remains an enduring symbol of the mystery and power of the sea. Regardless of its origins, it has been and remains remembered as one of the most intriguing and fascinating legends of all time.
