Mexican-American lore

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In Aztec myth, the Ahuizotl — “Thorny One of the Water” — was a ferocious canine with a hand at the end of its tail to pull its unlucky prey into the murky depths.

The volcanic rock obsidian was used for centuries as the cutting edge of Aztec weapons as well as a  magical totem capable of blocking, absorbing, and transforming negative  energy.

A wee folk of Mesoamerica, the Chaneque were said to “dwell in dangerous places” and either helped or harmed  humans according to their whims — or how much they were paid.

A popular form of entertainment in Mexico since colonial times, horse racing drew large crowds in state capitals such as Santa Fe. In Water Folk, a high-stakes race yields a shocking result.

Just outside Cimmaron, New Mexico is Urraca Mesa.  From the time of the legendary Anasazi, it has been a place associated  with ancient terrors, death, lightning, and an eerie blue glow.

Among the Folk of Iberia are river nymphs variously called Xana, Anjara, Mari, and Lamia. By any name, they abound in New World places settled by the Spanish and Portuguese.