centípus

Centípus is a fictional creature that appears in the works of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. It is described as a monstrous insect, often depicted with numerous legs, hence its name which derives from the Latin "centum" meaning hundred and "pes" meaning foot. While Borges does not provide a definitive, consistent biological description of the centípus, it serves as a recurring symbol within his literary universe.

The creature typically embodies themes of the grotesque, the terrifying, and the uncanny. Its presence often signifies a disruption of the natural order, a descent into chaos, or the manifestation of primal fears. In some narratives, the centípus is a physical threat, while in others, it represents a more abstract, existential dread. Its monstrous appearance and the unsettling imagery associated with it contribute to the dreamlike and often nightmarish quality of Borges's stories. The exact nature and appearance of the centípus can vary, making it an ambiguous and adaptable symbol for Borges to employ in his exploration of philosophical and metaphysical concepts.