Elderly Woman Found in Jungle After Aluxes Lure Her Away

Chichimilá, Yucatán — An 80-year-old woman who vanished for nearly three days in the dense jungles of Chichimilá, Yucatán, was found dehydrated and disoriented, claiming she had been lured by the mythical aluxes, guardian spirits of Mayan folklore. The incident has reignited local legends about the mischievous beings while authorities suggest her advanced age may have contributed to the ordeal.

A Routine Walk Turns Mysterious

Doña Teodora, a longtime resident of Chichimilá, frequently took solitary walks through the jungle, familiar with its terrain. Her family grew alarmed when she failed to return home after one such outing, prompting a search involving local authorities, neighbors, and volunteers. After 72 hours, rescuers located her deep in the wilderness, exhausted and suffering from dehydration.

Upon being questioned, Teodora insisted that the aluxes—small, supernatural entities in Mayan tradition—had led her astray. She recounted hearing voices mimicking her grandchildren, which drew her farther into the jungle. “They sounded just like my family,” she said. “I followed them, but they kept moving away.” She described seeing small figures with glowing eyes and playful laughter, which she identified as the elusive spirits.

Rescue Teams Weigh In

While Teodora’s account captivated locals, rescue personnel cautioned that her disappearance could stem from age-related confusion or a temporary cognitive episode. “We can’t dismiss the possibility of disorientation due to her advanced age,” one rescuer noted. Still, the story has fueled fascination with the aluxes, deeply embedded in regional lore.

The Legend of the Aluxes

According to Mayan tradition, aluxes are diminutive, humanoid beings standing roughly half a meter tall, often clad in ancient attire. They inhabit sacred spaces like caves, cenotes, and ruins, serving as protectors of nature. Farmers historically built small shrines (kahtal alux) to appease them, offering gifts in exchange for safeguarding crops and ensuring rainfall.

These spirits are known for their capricious nature: when respected, they bring prosperity, but if offended, they may hide belongings, mislead travelers, or play pranks. Some believe only children or those with pure hearts can see them, while others claim they vanish at will, emerging at night to dance among shadows.

A Tale of Two Explanations

The incident has divided opinions, with some embracing Teodora’s supernatural explanation and others attributing her ordeal to medical factors. Regardless, the story has underscored the enduring power of Mayan mythology in Yucatán’s cultural identity.

As locals reiterate, visitors to the region are often advised to seek the aluxes’ permission before venturing into their domain—a reminder of the delicate balance between the natural and the mystical in this corner of Mexico.