Myths and legends: Muki

In the central Andes, the Muqui or Muki, is a mining duende and, as such, its existence is circumscribed to the underground space: the Muqui inhabits the interior of the mine. He is a fantastic being that belongs to the extensive domain of the magical, the Muqui intrudes in the destiny of the workers of the tunnel, gratifying them or reprimanding them. He is a mysterious dwarf known as the owner of the mines. Its description varies according to the time. Formerly, by the decade of the 1930s it was said that he walked through the tunnels holding in his hand, a small lamp of carbide wrapped with a poncho made of vicuna wool. He had two small shining horns on his head and spoke in a soft voice. At present it is not very different, although now you can see miner's clothes, boots of water and use a battery-powered electric torch. The legend of the Muqui, is widely spread in the mining environment of the Peruvian Andes.
Sometimes the little goblin also takes the form of an animal or a white and blond man to introduce himself to the miners and deceive them.