The Pataricu: the Coastal Cyclops of Goz贸n
Among the rugged rocks of the Goz贸n coast, in Asturias, hides a creature from regional mythology: the Pataricu. This being is characterized by its large size and single eye, a trait that relates it to the cyclopes of other traditions 馃Э.
A Voracious Guardian in the Cliffs
The giant makes its home in the caves and fissures of the crags, from where it watches the Cantabrian Sea. The communities living near the sea forged this legend to make sense of the risks of navigation and shipwrecks.
Main characteristics of the being:- It is described as a giant with a single eye, similar to Polyphemus.
- It inhabits the caves and cracks of the Goz贸n cliffs.
- Its figure represents a warning about the dangers of the sea.
The story of the Pataricu is passed down orally and serves to make sailors respect the power of the sea.
Smell, Its Hunting Weapon
This cyclops does not only rely on its sight. It possesses an extremely acute sense of smell that allows it to locate its prey. It detects shipwrecked people from afar, even with poor visibility, guiding itself by smell to find food 馃帲.
Ways it operates:- It uses its sense of smell to hunt, not just sight.
- It can perceive victims through the mist or at night.
- It feeds on sailors who shipwreck near its territory.
The Function of the Legend
The tale of the Pataricu functions as a practical lesson. It warns navigators to avoid dangerous cliffs and fear the power of the ocean. It unites folklore with the real experience of those who depend on the sea. Some even use the myth to explain why remains of certain shipwrecks do not appear, an idea that simplifies the work of investigating these events 馃寠.