Legend of The Patasola (The One-Legged Woman)

The legend of The Patasola (The One-Legged Woman) tells that in a certain region of Tolima Grande, a humble peasant had a very beautiful wife, and together they had three children.

The owner of the hacienda (a large estate or plantation) where the peasant worked wanted to find a mistress. He called upon one of his most trusted cowboys and told him, “Go to the quebrada (stream) and choose the best one among the washerwomen. Then, tell me who she is and what she looks like.”

The man went and observed them all carefully. Instantly, he spotted the wife of a fellow cowboy and friend. Not only was she the youngest, but she was also the most beautiful. The cowboy returned to give the boss the information and details about the woman.

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When the time came for the vaquerías (cattle roundups), the beautiful woman’s husband shared his sorrows with the emissary cowboy. He complained about his wife, noticing she was cold and less affectionate. She no longer mended his clothes with the same delicacy as before. She was constantly in a bad mood and had been acting despotically for several days. He confessed that he felt like leaving far away, but he stayed out of pity for his children.

The cowboy, knowing the secret and pitying his friend’s situation, told him about the boss’s intentions. He warned him, however, that he himself was not to blame.

The saddened and betrayed husband thanked his friend for his honesty. He went away to think alone about the matter, saying to himself, “If I can convince myself that my wife is cheating on me with the boss, may God forgive me, because I will not be responsible for what happens.”

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He then planned a test and headed home. There, he told his wife he was going to town because his boss had sent him to fetch the mail, and he would not be returning that night. He kissed her goodbye and caressed his children. He rode off at a gallop to various places to kill time. He eventually arrived at the local cantina and drank a few shots of aguardiente (anise-flavored liquor). Around nine o’clock at night, he walked back through the brush and pastures to spy on his wife.

At about ten o’clock, the woman, seeing her husband had not arrived, went to the hacienda looking for her boss. When the husband saw his wife heading down the path to the estate, he came out of his hiding place, went into his house, found the children asleep, and went to bed. At dawn, the unfaithful woman arrived, acting very calm and serene. The husband asked her, “Where are you coming from?” She nonchalantly replied, “From washing clothes.” “At night???” the husband snapped.

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A few days later, the mocked husband invented a new trip. He mounted his horse, rode around a pasture a few times, and then hid the animal in a neighboring stable. Once night fell, he returned on foot to hide in the platanera (plantain grove) across from his hut. That night, the woman did not leave, but the boss came to visit her. When the wealthy landowner reached the door, the woman went out to greet him, throwing herself into his arms to kiss and caress him.

The furious husband, who was watching everything, leapt out with a raised machete (a large, heavy knife). Without giving the boss time to dodge the attack, he chopped off his head with a single blow. The woman, caught between surprise and horror, tried to flee. However, her furious husband dealt her a tremendous strike that severed her leg as if it were a tree branch.

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Both died at almost the same time. The cowboy was sentenced to prison. However, when he was released shortly after, he returned for his three children and set the house on fire.

People claim to have seen the woman hopping on a single leg through mountains, ravines, and roads, dripping blood and letting out pitiful screams. She is the restless soul of the unfaithful woman wandering through forests, valleys, and plains, who dishonored her children and failed to respect her husband.

According to the legend, The Patasola hides in the mountainous jungle and is the terror of farmers, miners, and forest lovers. Those who have seen her say she appears as a very beautiful woman. She seduces and attracts men to make them fall in love with her. But as they get closer, she retreats into the darkness of the forest. Once she has drawn them deep into the gloom, she transforms into a hideous creature. She has eyes of fire, a disfigured mouth revealing feline fangs, and short, unkempt hair that falls over her face to hide her ugliness.

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On other occasions, people hear the moans and cries of a lost woman. They call out to help her, but the moans grow more pitiful as she approaches her victim. When she is finally very close, she turns into a wild beast that pounces on the person, sucks their blood, and ends up crushing them with her sharp fangs.

Origin of the Legend of The One-Legged Woman

It is said that the legend of The Patasola (The One-Legged Woman) was invented by jealous men to frighten their wives, instill terror in them, and, at the same time, acknowledge the bounties and dangers of the jungle.

How to Protect Yourself from The One-Legged Woman

For anyone who sees her, protection consists of surrounding themselves with domestic animals. However, it is warned that dogs are the most effective against her, as they are all considered “blessed” animals.

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Among the myths and legends of Colombia, the legend of The Patasola stands out as one of the most recognized stories in Colombian folklore. One reason for this is how terrifying and dangerous this creature is. Unlike other phantoms, she does not just scare her victims; she devours them. This specter is considered one of the most dangerous entities in all of Colombian mythology.