El pequeno diablo

El Pequeno Diablo (the little devil) is a South American Myth about a carved wooden gnome that visits the houses of the marked and brings horrible circumstances upon them.In Chile Reports of burned houses from the gnome as well as several gnome related deaths have been reported to the police.

In one case a man said that El Pequeno Diablo possesed him to perform a self sacrifice only by the timely intervention of his sister was the man's life saved.

Types

Bolivian

The Bolivian version of the gnome tells of a happy prankster that plays many tricks on you. These tricks are often dangerous but not harmful. The gnome is said to have a orange hat and a smile.

Peruvian

The Peruvian version is by far the most common. This version is said to be a remenant of the ancient Incan culture. The legends tell of a small wooden creature with a giant nose and grey hair that comes and steals children away at night never to return.

Chilean

The Chilean version is by far the most dangerous (reportedly). The gnome is said to have gray hair. He also carries a "stick of death" and a pouch into which he steals the souls of those targeted.

Argentinian

Unlike the other three the Argentian "devil" is known to bring much luck before the eventual ruin. This is the one that is said to posses his offenders into performing acts for him which result in their betterment, before their ultimate ruin