Coi Coi-Vilu

Main article: Legend of Trentren Vilu and Caicai Vilu

Coi Coi-Vilu or Caicai-Vilu/Cai Cai Vilu (from Mapudungun: Kaykayfilu; Kaykay, a name, and filu, "snake") is the Mapuche god of water (or goddess, in some versions found in Chiloé) and, according to Mapuche myths (later also found in Chiloé), supreme ruler of the sea and of all sea-dwellers. This snake was a central figure in the origin of the Chiloean Archipelago. In Mapuche mythology, Coi Coi-Vilu is son of Peripillan (a Pillan).

Statue of Cai Cai-Vilu at Plaza de Armas, Ancud, Chile

Some legends state that it is a parent of the mythical Trauco.

In popular culture

In the final shot in the trailer of Nahuel and the Magic Book by Latido Films, the Caicai raise to the ocean as Nahuel hugged an unconscious friend Fresia.

See also

• Bakunawa
• Chilota mythology
• Horned Serpent
• Kaikaifilu, an extinct genus of mosasaurs named after the deity
• Kaikaifilusaurus, an extinct genus of rhynchocephalians named after the deity
• Mapuche mythology
• Ten Ten-Vilu

References

Alberto Trivero (1999), Trentrenfilú, (in Spanish). Proyecto de Documentación Ñuke Mapu.

Martinez Vilches, Oscar, Chiloe Misterioso (in Spanish). Pub. Ediciones de la Voz de Chiloe (circa 1998)