The Momoy's (this is my Favorite) Venezuelan Folklore XV

Momoy

The Momoyes, Mamóes, Mumúes or Spirits of the Water are a type of elves of the Venezuelan folklore, inhabitants of the Andean zone from pre-Columbian times.

The Momoyes are described as little men of about 40 cm in height. They can be dressed in the Indian way, adorning their body with feathers, leaves and flowers, helping themselves to walk with a cane. They are also described with long beards adorned by enormous head hats.

The Momoyes inhabit the zones of Trujillo (especially in the Municipality of Boconó) and Mérida, mainly in their lagoons and rivers.

They are described as benign creatures, sleepers, and defenders of the environment.

Due to their character as protecting elves of the fields, agriculture and the environment in general, anecdotes are told about the angry reactions that the Momoyes can have towards those visitors of the forests who leave their polluting waste in an unscrupulous way. It is said that a Momoy returned, throwing it violently to its owner, a can of soda that previously he had tried to sink into a pond. There is also a Momoy from Páramo de la Culata (Mérida) with a very violent personality, who used to whip the travelers who camped in the place, especially if they were not careful with their waste.

The Momoyes like to make the travelers victims of their heavy jokes, which are generally no more terrible than hiding or mislaying any of their household goods. For the rest, his presence is perceived by all kinds of activities, such as singing, whistling, etc. Anyway, if the travelers do not want to be bothered by the Momoyes, it would be enough to ignore them, an attitude that they could not bear.

Venezuelan Folklore