The Legend of El Chivo

 To everyone in the village, he was simply known as “The Kid”. There were loads of other kids skittering about, but he was “The” Kid. One time, as the older villagers tell it, a little gaffer was stuck way up a tree. (Stupid little guy but, what are you gonna’ do?) Being possessed of a benevolent and caring temperament, as well as otherworldly leaping skills, The Kid jumped up to help. One bound, and the tyke was down. Life was like that. Simpler times. And so it carried on. Quiet. Dusty. Lotta’ the same. But things were getting more complicated. The Kid was growing.

He discovered Santo and the luchadora, and became enamoured of his battles with the Blue Demon. Seemed a good pattern for a life, so The Kid became a ‘good guy’. Even got a silver mask and some prized argent underwear. And as it also will, the world was changing too. There were rumours about.

One hot night, rumours were made manifest. Out pops this chupacabra! Menacing. Malevolent. Bent on conquest. The villagers feared, but The Kid was up to it. Inspired, he pulled on his mask, horns bursting through the top, and became ‘El Chivo’, The Glorious Goat! El Chivo knew chupacabras preferred goats but this was one goat that was not about to be “preferred” by any monster.

So he up and whupped him. (It was sorta’ messy so I won’t go into details but it involved a lot of jumping.) Carried that chupie’s tail with him for about a month until it began to attract too many flies. (Ditched it somewheres, I dunno’ where.) And the name ‘El Chivo’ became known and respected as far away as Copenhagen – and most points in between. Rumour has it, Frida Kahlo nearly convinced Diego Rivera to paint a mural depicting the legend.

Life settled back and over time, he learned a lot from the many visitors to the village. About tequila, yoga, surfing, how to make the best fish tacos, and an interesting little game called crokinole. Useful stuff ‘n such. Now as for El Chivo himself? He ain’t here presently, but you can ask after him. While you’re at it, have a cold one and a bite over a game. Never know, he might show. For now, this particular El Chivo will be right here.