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Luna Remulla:

The variety of influences that have shaped the multifaceted figure of La Llorona stood out to me. Specifically, her connection to Aztec goddesses, in addition to ideas and stories introduced by the Spanish. In that way, the diversity of her origins/influences strengthen her meaning as a symbol of Indigenous cultures meeting colonial ones. I think that symbol is also enforced by how her interpretation has morphed over time, especially Chicana feminist interpretations.

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Sarah Rude

I found it interesting how different cultures have their own versions of La Llorona and separate interpretations of what she and her story symbolize. In the post colonial era, her story showed the dominance that the majority has over marginalized groups like indigenous women. In Venezuela and within the "Azteca-Mexica culture" she's portrayed as a mother who's children were killed in war and symbolizes the sacrifice made to keep this culture free from colonization. In Mexico's central highlands, it was said that she warned them of war and conquest, whereas La Malinche shows her as a traitor for helping the colonists. Some believe her child drowned when crossing the border and looking for its father, and others may think the story is a cautionary tale for children to remain disciplined as well as choose a partner wisely. One man even interpreted her as a tortilla, due to her ability to remain multifaceted. La Llorona takes on many different roles and forms and has continuously adapted throughout history to become what's needed in the environment and teach people new lessons.

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1. I did this a bit for this class, though I never totally described her physical appearance. However, when writing the poem, I imagined her as a woman in funeral attire, hair up, possibly a vail. I never imagined as a malicious entity, just a repentant sinner; forced to live in limbo, never staying in one place, spreading her wails across the world. The story might remain the same, in a folklore sense, but would be different for her.

2. There isn't really a physical or specific entity that I envision, just a collection of ghouls or haunts, boasting well over a hundred phantasms. The most recurrent ones are mostly classic horror things; mostly relying on some people's fears of the unknown. Why they choose to manifest for me is not within my knowledge at this time.

Parish

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1) La Llorona in a modern context would probably be associated with the patriarchy with regret and anger directed towards her husband. Having disdain towards her husband for being able to leave her and their children without being judged by society simply for being a man. In terms of her appearance, she would still be covered in her iconic white garb and she would still be weeping.

2) I think a new "Bogey Man" figure could be associated with the ocean. A figure made of kelp and seaweed that deters kids from playing too close to the tide and being swept away from the coast.

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Peter Jordan

It was really interesting to learn about the origins of La Llorona and how all the different manifestations of the story varied throughout history. Moreover, it was further absorbing because each story seemed to reflect the experiences of women during their own respective contemporary times. Lastly, I was able to relate my own experiences with childhood horror stories to La Llorona, as my brothers would often use Bigfoot as a tool for getting me to do things, just as La Llorana is similarly used as a tool in certain cultures.

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JOSH

What stood out to me was how the story had differences depending on some different countries, and also different lesson purposes in different versions. I thought the stronger link to a real life person was interesting and different than the other stories we have been talking about. Also the parts about how the interpretation of La Malinche had changed along with interpretations of the story made me think about many important purposes. This makes me think about how ghosts can help oral tradition and their importance in passing down culture.

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I thought it was really interesting that La Llorona was not only seen as one type of figure, but instead, she was viewed as a person, legend, ghost, goddess, metaphor, and/or symbol. For example, throughout Latin America, interpretations of her story differed- in Guatemala, she was described in a more malignant manner, while in Venezuela, the story focuses on colonialism and the grief that she goes through.

Lucy Helfenstein

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The idea of a grieving mother and the idea of parental fear really stood out to me in La Llorona because of the idea that a mother love should be greater than anything. This means that a "twisted parental love" or the shift of a parent towards a dangerous place turns it into a sort of uncanny idea which ties into the old idea of people fearing the not normal, as the idea of parents being their child's protector is the automatic thought which brings clarity to the idea that ghost stories often show the twisted normal to create a sense of uneasiness.

Mia

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Something that stood out to me was how many different variations there were in the stories. I also thought it was very interesting how there were different interpretations depending on the story. This resonated with me because it shows how oral tradition can lead to many viewpoints and ideas that are expressed differently depending on the person.

Dilan Robbins

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Something that stood out to me was how there were different variations of La Llorona, and it reminded me of how there are various versions of the creation story. Each country in Central and South America describes the story slightly differently, and it's very similar to the many versions of god (like Christianity, Catholicism, etc.).

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Will Bissonnette:

What I found interesting was all the different interpretations/retellings of the story. My favorite is the Venezuelan use as an allegory for the pain of colonialism and those lost through it. To me this interpretation is the most emotional with La Llorona being a mother who dies from grief after the death of her children.

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Timothy Boggs

I found it very interesting how La Llorona is almost a warning to unfaithful husbands. At least the way I read it, it felt like a cautionary tale warning men to be fully committed to their wives. Also, at the end of the story, people blame Tomasito's death on his heart, once again discrediting women's work. Could this story be about a grieving woman taking power the only way she knows how, by killing her children?

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Lawson Holland:

What stood out to me was La Llorana's significance in Latin culture and how the story has multiple origins, with each having its own slight variations, all with the underlying theme of a cautionary tale. This resonated with me because the story highlights the grief of colonialism and how the story was later used to serve as a voice for oppressed Chicano women. Additionally, it allows people of Latin heritage to connect over their commonalities in culture, as exemplified through the exchange of a wave when the women honked at the car that had a sticker that said, "Honk if you've seen La Llorana."

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What I found most interesting was how universal La Llorona was. Through many different cultures, her story would change depending on the time and the people. For example, in Guatemala La Llorona was a woman who drowned her son to cover up an affair, whereas in Venezuela La Llorona's story was tied to colonialism. The text mentioned how she was an "ever-present figure," meaning her story was meant for all ages, ranging from kids to adults.

Abbie Callaway

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Something that stood out to me was the whole piece about the mother holding her child and crying by the creek. I think it's interesting because it shows conflicting emotions, it's like grief and regret yet also she did it. I think she can be both the victim and the villain here.

I think this story brought clarity to the idea that ghost stories are often tied to unresolved emotions rather tha just physical places.

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La Llorona is a cautionary tale that has apeared all over south America. The story is usually passed on orally so different south American countries have there own twist to the story. Regardless where the story comes from, La Llorona is always wearing white, she's always an evil spirit and the stories often are warnings for the audience.

John Battaglia

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La Llorona is always seen wearing white. White resembles purity and peace, but she is far from pure and peaceful. She is evil and uses the white to pull people in because it makes her more inviting. Right when they go to help her, she strikes.