La Llorona: The Weeping Woman

The tale of La Llorona has been told in Central America for centuries, a heartbreaking legend which predates the colonization of the Americas. “La Llorona” is the Spanish name given to the lost soul of a woman doomed to wander the earth for eternity in her suffering, which translates to “The Weeping Woman.” She is often referred to as “The Woman in White,” or “The Crying Woman” as well, but whatever name she is given, La Llorona’s tale serves as a reminder of what horrible things we can do when we are overcome with pain and sorrow.

Her story is very, very old and has been told innumerable times by countless people, so the details vary from source to source. Some say that she can be found along a deserted road, while some say she waits beside lakes or rivers, but wherever you may meet La Llorona, you will know her because she will be wearing a white dress and her sorrowful wail will echo through the night.

Heartbreak

According to the legends, La Llorona was once a beautiful young woman and mother, living out a simple life. She grew to distrust her lover over the years as he pulled away from her and became ever more distant. After a while, she found out that her lover had been unfaithful to her, turning his back on her and their children. Overcome with grief, rage, and sorrow, she suffered a psychotic break and lost control. One night…