El Güije is a popular mythical creature in Cuban folklore. El Güije is a fascinating folklore of Cuban culture, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage. It has been described as a small goblin or imp, usually with dark skin, bright eyes, and mischievous appearance. It is said they live near lakes, rivers, or any body of water especially in the dark and secluded areas. Many stories about El Güije have been told by grandparents to their grandchildren as a way to warn them of the dangers of seeking into dark and scary places. One of the most common stories/legends is that El Güije kidnaps children who misbehave or go out alone near water at night.
Appearance: El Güije is small with dark skin and large bright eyes; being often depicted as grotesque.
Behavior: El Güije is known to play tricks and scaring people, mostly children. It is known to be a prankster but can be dangerous if disturbed.
Habitat : Prefers to be in humid and dark environments near bodies of water like lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. Legend says it hides in mangroves and caves near water.
Powers : El Güije has supernatural abilities. Such as disappearing and reappearing: Possessing the ability to change shape.
