In the Disney-Pixar animated film, “Coco,” the mythical creatures play an important role in the story. The movie is based on the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, which celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. It follows a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician but is prohibited by his family’s generations-old ban on music.
One of the most prominent mythical creatures in “Coco” is Pepita, a magical spirit animal that serves as a guide and protector to Miguel. Pepita is inspired by alebrijes, which are fantastical creatures made out of paper maché or carved from wood. These creatures are not specifically associated with Día de los Muertos in Mexican culture but are still celebrated in the movie.
Another mythical creature in “Coco” is the Coco itself. It is a ghost-like monster that is equivalent to the bogeyman found in Spain and Portugal. The Coco is commonly used as a figure of speech representing fear or anxiety. These mythical creatures add to the magical and fantastical elements of the movie, making it an enjoyable experience for both children and adults.
The Legend of Coco
Origin and Cultural Significance
Coco is a mythical creature that originated in Portuguese and Spanish folklore. The name “Coco” is derived from the Portuguese word “Cocorico,” which means “cock-a-doodle-doo.” The creature is often depicted as a ghost-like monster that preys on children who misbehave or refuse to sleep. The legend of Coco has been passed down through generations and has become a significant part of Hispanic and Lusophone cultures.
Storyline Influence
The legend of Coco has influenced many stories and films, including the 2017 Disney-Pixar film, “Coco.” The film tells the story of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician but is forbidden by his family. He accidentally finds himself in the Land of the Dead, where he meets his ancestors and discovers the truth about his family’s past. The film features many references to Hispanic culture, including the Day of the Dead, and the importance of family and tradition.
In conclusion, the legend of Coco has become an important part of Hispanic and Lusophone cultures, inspiring many stories and films. The legend has been passed down through generations and continues to captivate audiences with its ghostly and mysterious nature.
Main Mythical Creatures in Coco
Alebrijes
Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. In the movie Coco, alebrijes are depicted as spirit animals that guide and protect the living and the dead. The most prominent alebrije in the film is Pepita, who is affiliated with the late members of the Rivera family as their guide-protector. Pepita is an imposing alebrije who functions as a sort of spiritual guide for Imelda. She cannot speak; instead, she can only make animal-like roars and noises.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, is a breed of dog that is native to Mexico. In the movie Coco, Dante is a Xolo dog who is Miguel’s loyal companion. Dante is a playful and goofy dog who loves to eat and explore. Despite his playful nature, Dante is also a loyal and protective friend who helps Miguel navigate the Land of the Dead. The animation department faced a number of challenges in animating Dante, as his lack of hair made it difficult to convey emotions and expressions through his appearance.
Overall, the mythical creatures in Coco add depth and richness to the story, while also providing insight into Mexican folklore and culture. The film’s use of alebrijes and Xoloitzcuintlis as spirit animals adds a magical and mystical element to the story, while also highlighting the importance of family, tradition, and the afterlife in Mexican culture.
Alebrijes Characteristics
Alebrijes are mythical creatures that are an integral part of Mexican artisan folklore. These fantastical creatures are known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs. They are usually depicted as a combination of different animals, such as a lion with wings or a dragon with a turtle shell.
Spiritual Significance
Alebrijes are believed to have a spiritual significance in Mexican culture. They are considered to be spirit guides that help individuals navigate through life’s challenges. It is believed that each alebrije has a unique personality and characteristics that are meant to guide and protect its owner.
Visual Representation
Alebrijes are visually represented through various mediums such as paper maché, wood carving, or sculpture. They are often brightly colored with intricate designs and patterns. The colors used on an alebrije are thought to represent different emotions and qualities. For example, yellow represents intelligence, while blue represents serenity.
In the movie Coco, alebrijes are depicted as spirit animals that guide the protagonist through the Land of the Dead. The character Pepita, a winged jaguar with eagle talons, is a prominent alebrije in the movie. The visual representation of alebrijes in the movie is consistent with the traditional depiction in Mexican culture.
Overall, alebrijes are unique mythical creatures that hold a special place in Mexican culture. They are not only visually stunning but also have a spiritual significance that makes them even more special.
Xoloitzcuintli Symbolism
Guide to the Afterlife
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, played a significant role in Aztec mythology as a guide to the afterlife. According to legend, the Xoloitzcuintli was believed to accompany the souls of the deceased through the underworld and protect them from danger. The Aztecs believed that the Xoloitzcuintli was a sacred animal and that it possessed healing powers. They also believed that the dog’s bark could ward off evil spirits.
Historical Roots
The Xoloitzcuintli has a long and fascinating history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. The breed is believed to have originated in Mexico, and it was highly valued by the Aztecs, who used it for both practical and ceremonial purposes. The Xoloitzcuintli was also used as a source of food and medicine. The Aztecs believed that the dog’s meat could cure a variety of ailments, including asthma, toothaches, and arthritis.
Today, the Xoloitzcuintli is still considered a sacred animal in Mexico, and it is often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of strength, loyalty, and protection. The breed is also recognized by the American Kennel Club and is known for its intelligence, agility, and affectionate nature.
In the movie “Coco,” the Xoloitzcuintli is portrayed as a spirit guide that helps the main character, Miguel, navigate the land of the dead. The movie’s creators drew inspiration from Mexican folklore and mythology to create a rich and vibrant world filled with mythical creatures and magical beings.
Overall, the Xoloitzcuintli symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving the traditions and beliefs of our ancestors.
Other Symbolic Elements
Marigold Bridge
The Marigold Bridge is a significant element in Coco. It is believed that the bridge connects the world of the living and the dead. The bridge is decorated with marigold flowers, which are believed to guide the spirits of the dead to their altars. The bright orange color of the marigold flowers is said to represent the sun, and their strong scent is believed to help the spirits of the dead find their way home.
Papel Picado
Papel Picado is another symbolic element in Coco. It is a type of Mexican folk art that involves cutting intricate designs into colorful tissue paper. In the movie, papel picado is used to decorate the ofrendas, or altars, that are set up to honor the deceased. The designs on the papel picado often include images of skulls, flowers, and other symbols associated with the Day of the Dead.
Overall, the symbolic elements in Coco play an important role in conveying the rich cultural traditions associated with the Day of the Dead. The Marigold Bridge and Papel Picado are just two examples of the many elements that are used to celebrate the lives of the deceased and honor their memory.
Coco’s Impact on Mythology
Renewed Interest in Folklore
Coco has had a significant impact on the interest in folklore and mythology, particularly in Hispanic and Lusophone countries. The movie’s portrayal of the mythical creature Coco, also known as the Cucuy, Cuco, Cuca, Cucu, Cucuí or El-Cucuí, has led to a renewed interest in this creature and other similar mythical creatures. The movie has sparked conversations about the importance of preserving cultural traditions and the significance of these creatures in the culture.
Educational Aspect
Coco has also been praised for its educational aspect. The movie has introduced many people to the rich culture and mythology of Mexico and other Hispanic and Lusophone countries. The portrayal of the mythical creature Coco has helped to educate people about the importance of these creatures in the culture, the role they play in folklore and mythology, and the significance of preserving cultural traditions. The movie has also helped to promote diversity and understanding of different cultures.
Creative Process
Character Design
The process of creating the mythical creatures of Coco was a collaborative effort between the animators and the cultural consultants. The team worked to ensure that the creatures were not only visually stunning but also culturally accurate. The character design process began with research into Mexican folklore and mythology. The team drew inspiration from creatures such as alebrijes, which are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures.
Once the team had a clear understanding of the cultural context, they began the design process. The team experimented with different shapes, colors, and textures to create unique and memorable creatures. They also paid close attention to the details, such as the way the creatures moved and interacted with their environment.
Cultural Consultation
The cultural consultants played a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of the mythical creatures. They provided the team with insights into Mexican folklore and mythology, as well as guidance on how to depict the creatures in a culturally sensitive way. The consultants also reviewed the designs to ensure that they were culturally accurate and respectful.
The team worked closely with the cultural consultants throughout the design process. They collaborated on everything from the colors of the creatures to the way they moved and interacted with their environment. By working together, the team was able to create a rich and vibrant world full of unique and memorable mythical creatures.