Guajona

The Guajona (Cantabrian [ɡwaˈhona]; Spanish: [ɡwaˈxona]) or Lumia is a blood-sucking creature of Cantabrian legends, resembling a disfigured human female, resembling to an extent the witches and hags of medieval European folklore, with features specific to her feeding habits. She is covered from head to toe in an old thin black cloak, her hands and feet are gnarled bird legs, her face is yellow with consumed, rough and hairy warts, her eyes are tiny and bright as stars, aquiline nose and mouth provided with a single black razor sharp tooth that is so long it reach down to her under chin and used to suck blood. Only comes out at night and hides in the shadows but it is unknown where she sleeps during the day although it is suspected to be hiding underground. Guajona come in homes without getting noticed and walks silently toward healthy young children to suck their blood in their sleep by sticking her tooth into their veins. She does not kill them, instead leaves them almost bloodless so when they wake up in the morning they will be tired, pale and discolored. Guajona also attacks adults. This is one of the few myths or legends about vampires that exist in Spain, next to the Conde Estruch.

Etymology

Guajona is an augmentative of Guaja, present also in the neighbour Asturian mythology as Guaxa. The origin of Guaja or Guaxa could be in classical Arabic وحش wahsh, meaning "beast".

Literary References

Has indicated in the legend Manuel Llano bible (Obras Completas, 1968, vol. II, p. 477). It is also quoted by Miguel de Unamuno.

Bibliography

• Adriano García Lomas, Mitología y supersticiones de Cantabria, Estvdio, 2000.
• Manuel Martín Sánchez, Seres míticos y personajes fantásticos españoles, 2002.