Creature Feature: The wonderfully weird alux

Let’s add a bit of hijinks to this little weekly party, shall we?

This week I’ll be exploring the cryptid known as the alux, the plural of which is aluxob. These little tricksters live south of the border in Central America.

The aluxob are very small creatures, basically tiny humans that stand only about knee-high. Legend says that they are invisible but can take on physical form, usually to frighten humans or to congregate, but it could be for any number or reasons. When seen, they are usually dressed in traditional Mayan garb.

These beings are known for their tricks. They’re basically the Mexican version of leprechauns. Though they have that reputation, the aluxob don’t start out as tricksters.

The story goes that an alux is birthed when a farmer builds a tiny house on his property, usually in a corn field. The alux is bound in servitude to the farmer for seven years. It helps the crops grow, summons rain, and scares away animals and other intruders that would harm the harvest.

When the seven years comes to an end, it is of utmost importance that the farmer go to the tiny house and close all windows and doors to seal the alux inside.  Should the farmer fail to do so, the alux will run wild and become the prankster of legend.

There is a belief that on occasion an alux will approach a farmer and demand an offering. If the farmer denies the alux, he is bringing misfortune upon himself and his family. If he bends over backward for the creature, he will be protected and good luck will rain down upon him.

Also, if you haven’t spoken the name yet, don’t. There is a belief that to name them out loud is not a good thing. Doing so will summon an alux from its home to wreak havoc on your life. Sorry, guess I should have started with that. If one shows up at your door, do whatever it asks of you.

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