El Silbón - The Whistler
You hear a whistle in the night. If it sounds close, you're safe. If it sounds far away—he's right behind you. El Silbón carries his father's bones in a bag. He cannot rest.
El Silbón (The Whistler) is a ghost from Venezuelan and Colombian folklore, a cursed soul who carries his father’s bones.
The Legend
According to documented folklore, El Silbón is a cursed soul who carries his father’s bones. He whistles a distinctive tune and targets drunkards and womanizers. His whistle predicts your fate.
The Whistle
The terrifying inversion works like this: if the whistle sounds close, you’re safe. If it sounds far away, he’s right behind you. The whistle follows specific musical notes and is always heard before an attack.
Origin Story
The legend says a spoiled boy killed his father over a demand for deer liver. He was cursed by his grandfather, and now his dog forever chases him while he must carry his father’s bones.
Description
El Silbón appears as an extremely tall and thin figure wearing a hat and rags. He carries a large bag and appears emaciated and ghostly.
Protection
To survive an encounter, remember that whip noises scare him and dogs bark at his approach. Chili peppers repel him. The best protection is to stay sober and faithful.
Sources
In the Venezuelan plains, the whistle still sounds at night. If you hear it far away, run—El Silbón is already standing behind you, counting the bones in his bag, wondering if yours should join them.