Myths for Monday -- La Sayona or Mancrita

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Today's myth comes from the department of Arauca on the Eastern Plains of Colombia. The legend of La Sayona or Mancarita is shared with other departments of the Llano and the plains of Venezuela.

LA SAYONA was once a happily married woman. When she discovers that her husband is having an affair with her mother. In a fury, she kills them both, but before her mother dies she curses her daughter to spend all eternity roaming the plains avenging all women whose husbands have been unfaithful.

According to the legend, she wears a long white dress and approaches men who have been unfaithful, asking them for a ride, a cigarette, or something else. The two will begin to talk. Eventually, the man will see the skeleton face of the woman and she will attack and attempt to kill him.

This story is hoped to deter men from straying.

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