Has anyone come across any of these mythical beasts of the Iberian peninsula?

[SeñorJacques]

I came across this rather wonderful map today and realized how fortunate I was that I didn't encounter a fearsome Cuélebre or seven-headed Herensuge on my Camino (though I did buy a chocolate bar and some soap in the shop at El Trasgu de Foncebadon.) Kinda makes worrying about bedbugs seem pretty insignificant ...



(via Reddit)

 

[trecile]

I saw this rare multi-colored Iberian Lynx in Lisbon.

 

[Bradypus]

Didn't see any of the ones on the map but I met this character a few km east of Burgos one summer. Never met the Cuelébre either but I think I caught a glimpse of the wonderfully named 'culebra bastarda' crawling under a bush once. Nearly as scary as the things on your map!

 

[Pelegrin]

I only had heard of Cuelebre and Trasgu, both in Asturias. In Galicia Trasgu is called Trasno.

 

[K_Lynn]

I saw that map yesterday and you beat me to posting it! Sadly I did not see any of these mystical creatures on Camino Frances. I'm hoping I will run into some this autumn in Portugal!

 

[lindam]

For anyone starting their Camino in Barcelona, you will find dragons hiding throughout the city. This is because Sant Jordi (Saint George) is the patron saint of Catalunia, so named after having slayed the dragon and saving the princess. These mythical creatures can be found on prominent buildings, in ironworks and just about anywhere in between. It sometimes takes a bit of effort to spot them.

 

[cecelia]

I’m sorry heading to Barcelona right now! Thanks - I’ll keep my eyes open.

 

[cecelia]

I’m sorry heading to Barcelona right now! Thanks - I’ll keep my eyes open.

Oops the sorry part above was autocorrect. I’m not at all sorry - and will keep my eyes open for dragons and typos!

 

[Paul McAmino]

I’ve seen the Homem do Chapéu de Ferro in the mirror after a little too much Mencia or Douro the previous evening.

Paul

 

[tpmchugh]

I came across this rather wonderful map today and realized how fortunate I was that I didn't encounter a fearsome Cuélebre or seven-headed Herensuge on my Camino (though I did buy a chocolate bar and some soap in the shop at El Trasgu de Foncebadon.) Kinda makes worrying about bedbugs seem pretty insignificant ...

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(via Reddit)

Came across a huge dog made of flowers and although no one believes me, I saw an elephant made of flowers just down the road from the dog. Then there was the old lovable dragon in Najera who refused to stamp me into the albergue until I pronounced Najera correctly. lol. Seriously though, that is some map

 

[LavanyaLea]

The reason pilgrims on Camino Primitivo no longer meets the cuelebre is because a local hero Xuan Rata had dealt with the beast who retracted into a Cave never to be seen again, near Montefurado. I didn't go inside the cave to look for cuelebre carcass though! But direction to the Cave Xuan Rata is marked.

More story about the legend:

Cova de Xuan Rata, historia y leyenda se dan la mano en Montefurado.

www.dendecaguelu.com

 

[Pelegrin]

The reason pilgrims on Camino Primitivo no longer meets the cuelebre is because a local hero Xuan Rata had dealt with the beast who retracted into a Cave never to be seen again, near Montefurado. I didn't go inside the cave to look for cuelebre carcass though! But direction to the Cave Xuan Rata is marked.

More story about the legend:

Cova de Xuan Rata, historia y leyenda se dan la mano en Montefurado.

www.dendecaguelu.com

So, the Cuelebre tradition passes Puerto del Palo into Montefurado that is in the Galician speaking area of Asturias. I didn't find anything about Cuelebre tradition in Grandas de Salime. So probably Montefurado is the last point to the west. Anyway, Xuan Rata (John Rat) is an unusual name for a hero.