Cryptid Vault
Au Au

Au Au

Also known as: Nguruvilu, Fox-Snake

Chilean rivers hide a fox-tailed serpent that creates deadly whirlpools to drown the unwary.

First Reported

Pre-colonial Mapuche tradition

Origin Area

Rivers and lakes of Chile

Size

6-10 feet long

Temperament

Hostile and territorial

Status

Folklore

Folklore onlyHigh DangerSouth AmericaRiverLake

The Lore

The Au Au, also linked to the Nguruvilu tradition, is a creature from Mapuche mythology in Chile. It takes the form of a serpent with a fox-like head and tail. Dwelling in rivers and lakes, it creates whirlpools to trap and drown swimmers, fishermen, and animals. Communities traditionally avoided certain stretches of river believed to be guarded by this creature.

Body Type

Serpentine

Folklore Origin

Indigenous tradition

Similar Real Animals

South American river otter