For those who do not know the story of the whistle man, and its different variations depending on the region where it has been heard, there is a very particular legend and it is that the farther away you hear its whistle, the closer this soul in pain is. If we add to this the story of the witches that, during the night, weave braids on the horses’ tails, who would be able to sleep?
Many years passed before we dared to sleep without fear in the dark rooms of that ranch called La Giralda. More than fifteen summers, patron saint festivities, livestock fairs, and, of course, bullfighting afternoons.
One night, quite late, after having enjoyed a memorable ranch festival on a nearby farm, we went home on horseback without noticing that a heavy downpour was approaching. What would be our surprise when the horses began to feel the rain on their backs, and, at the same time, their riding became intense and accelerated. It wasn’t the rain, and it wasn’t the fear. In the distance, we could hear the echo of a whistle, which, if we are going to believe the legend, must have been practically sitting on the haunch, blowing in our ears.
We ran, ran, and ran until we finally arrived home with our hearts on the verge of bursting. After this scary moment, we barely managed to dismount the horse. With trembling legs, we noticed strangely that all the equines had a beautiful braid woven into their tails. But, how could this be possible? Simple it is: When the whistle man sings, any witch will be his partner.
In the series “Countryside Stories”
Written by Layla Garrido