The Legend of Coqui and the Goddess
If you have been on the island for any length of time, chances are that you have heard the song of the Coqui somewhere in the night. And like many things in Puerto Rico, there is story behind the song of Coqui. Or in this case, a Taino legend.
There was once a beautiful goddess who fell in love with Coquí, the tribal chief’s son. When he went out to fish, she would make sure that he came back with a big catch, and he would sing praises to her. One evening, she came to him in the form of a Taíno maiden, and they fell in love. She told Coquí that she would come back the next evening at moonrise, but the next evening came, and with it came the evil Juracán. The sky blackened and his winds howled and the goddess tried to protect her lover, but Juracán snatched him away and she never saw him again. She did not know how she could go on without her beautiful Coquí, so she created this tiny frog that will forever call for him: “Co-kee! Co-kee!
If you’ve spent any amount of time on the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, chances are you’ve heard the soothing song of the Coqui somewhere in the night. But like so many things on this Caribbean island, there is a story behind the lilting tune of the Coqui, one steeped in Taino legend and lore.
The tale goes that there once was a stunning goddess who had fallen madly in love with Coquí, the son of the tribal chief. Whenever he would go out fishing, she would ensure that he returned with a plentiful catch, and he would sing her praises in gratitude. One evening, the goddess appeared before Coquí in the form of a Taino maiden, and the two fell deeply in love.
The following evening, the goddess promised to return at the rise of the moon, but as fate would have it, the wicked Juracán arrived. The skies grew dark, the winds howled, and in a frenzy of destruction, Juracán snatched Coquí away from his beloved goddess. Devastated by the loss of her beloved, the goddess was inconsolable. But she refused to give up hope, and in her sorrow, she created a tiny frog that would forever call out for her lost love: “Co-kee! Co-kee!”
And so it is that the Coqui’s melodic call can be heard throughout the island, a constant reminder of the goddess’s unyielding love for Coquí and a symbol of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartbreak and tragedy. Though the legend of Coqui and the goddess may be just that, a legend, the sweet serenade of the Coqui endures as a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage.
The story of the goddess and Coquí may end in tragedy, but it adds depth and meaning to the enchanting sound of the Coqui’s song that echoes through the Puerto Rican nights. This Taino legend is just one of many fascinating stories that illustrate the richness of the island’s culture and history. From the indigenous Taino people to the Spanish colonization and African influences, the history of Puerto Rico is a mosaic of diverse cultural traditions. Exploring the island’s cultural heritage and traditions can be a rewarding and enlightening experience for any traveler. So, take some time to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this beautiful island beyond its beaches and landmarks. Discover the legends, customs, and traditions that have shaped Puerto Rico’s identity and continue to influence its people today.
