Have you encountered the Latin American hauntress, La llorona? In episode 13 of Fairy Tale Flip we delve into the haunting folktale of La Llorona, exploring its origins, symbolism, and cultural implications. We trace the many and varied roots of La Llorona, from the first documentation in 1550 to its connections with Aztec mythology and themes of grief. We also discuss global variations and interpretations, highlighting the portrayal of women as "monsters" in folklore and societal narratives surrounding betrayal. Comparing La Llorona to other archetypal female figures in mythology, we reflect on the mental health aspects pertinent to the tale, emphasizing themes of isolation and struggle.
Timestamps
Introduction and Story Overview (00:09 - 11:00)
•Episode 13 of Fairy Tale Flip podcast
•Hosts: Vanessa Y. Rogers and Donna Lee Fields
•Topic: La Llorona, a popular Latin American folktale
•Story summary: Indigenous woman drowns her children after betrayal by Spanish lover
•La Llorona's ghost wails and searches for her children near bodies of water
•Different variations of the story exist across cultures
Historical Context and Symbolism (11:00 - 20:35)
•First documentation of La Llorona traced back to 1550
•Story has roots in Aztec mythology
•Connections to Aztec goddesses: Serpent Skirts and Jade Skirted One
•Symbolism discussed: water, white dress, screaming/wailing
•Exploration of grief and cultural implications
Global Variations and Interpretations (20:35 - 31:25)
•Similar stories found in Eastern Europe, Greek mythology, and Germanic traditions
•La Malinche: historical figure with similarities to La Llorona
•Discussion on portrayal of women as "monsters" in folklore
•Exploration of betrayal themes and societal blame on women
Female Monsters and Societal Reflections (31:25 - 42:21)
•Comparison to other female "monsters" in mythology (Circe, Lamia, Sirens)
•Debate on the definition and purpose of monsters in storytelling
•La Llorona as a reflection of societal issues and difficult emotions
•Discussion on encounter stories vs. origin stories of La Llorona
Mental Health and Modern Interpretations (42:21 - 53:17)
•Exploration of mental health aspects, including postpartum depression
•Ballet interpretation of La Llorona focusing on women's silent struggles
•Comparison to "The Yellow Wallpaper" story
•Importance of addressing isolation and mental health issues
•Call for audience engagement and sharing of personal La Llorona encounters
Follow us:
Fabric of Folklore website