The South American folklore that inspired La Tunda from The Winchesters Season 1 Episode 2

Episode 2 of The Winchesters sure is a thrill, but it also invites viewers to immerse themselves in spooky South American folklore. The episode’s villain, La Tunda, is a shapeshifting tree creature who preys on victims with parental issues. The monster has roots (pun intended) in Colombian mythology in “The Winchesters”, similar to the real-life legend that inspired it.

According to Espooky Tales, La Tunda has been discussed in Colombian and Ecuadorian folk tales since the 15th century. Described as a forest, jungle, and mountain dweller, she is known for taking on the appearance of people who love her victims before kidnapping them. This element of her personality informed “The Winchesters” as most of her victims thought she was their parents or religious teacher. The Winchesters simplifies the lore to some extent, however, as La Tunda is also known for stealing unbaptized children and claiming adulterous men as their lovers. To seduce the men, she cooks enchanted shrimp in her butt, which makes them feel attracted to her.

While The Winchesters portrays La Tunda in a villainous light, it’s worth noting that in some folk tales she’s more nuanced. According to Ancient Origins, she is a friend of nature, protecting plants, rivers, trees, and animals from those who try to destroy them.