Siguanaba

Siguanaba is a legendary female spirit found in Central American folklore, with strong roots in El Salvador and Guatemala and regional variations in Honduras and neighboring areas. The figure is typically described as a shapeshifter who appears as an extraordinarily beautiful woman to lure men, especially travelers by night or along rivers. Her beauty is often used as a trap to draw attention away from safety or companions.

In most tellings, the deceiving woman conceals her face with long dark hair, wearing a simple dress. When a man approaches or looks closely, her true visage is revealed as grotesque or demonic, a transformation sometimes described as a monstrous face or an animal-like feature such as a horse's head. This reversal serves as a moralizing element of the tale, punishing those who gaze upon her with lust or allow themselves to be led astray.

Cultural role and themes vary by region, but Siguanaba typically functions as a cautionary figure against infidelity, temptation, and reckless behavior during nighttime travel. The legend is commonly transmitted through oral tradition and has been referenced in regional literature, art, and media as part of the broader tapestry of Latin American folklore.

Origins are uncertain and likely reflect a blend of Indigenous beliefs with colonial-era Catholic moral storytelling. Variants emphasize different motifs—ranging from punishment of wrongdoers to warnings about wandering alone at night—yet the core image of a beguiling woman who hides a terrible truth remains central.