For centuries, stories of a mysterious woman wandering near rivers and waterways have been passed down throughout Latin America and the American Southwest. Known as La Llorona, or the Weeping Woman, she is said to roam the night crying out for her lost children… and those who hear her cries may have reason to be afraid.

In this episode of Haunted Hangout, we dive into the origins of La Llorona, the different versions of her tragic story, and the reported encounters that have kept this legend alive for generations. Is La Llorona simply a centuries-old cautionary tale, or could there be something more behind the stories of the Weeping Woman?

We want your spooky stories! Send them to hauntedhangoutpodcast13@gmail.com and we may feature it on the next Listener Lore episode!

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This episode was written and edited by Liz Silva. Theme song by High Street Music.

Episode Sources:

The Origin of La Llorona by Amy Fuller

La Llorona in Juvenile Hall by Bess Lomax Hawes

The Legend of La Llorona: The Weeping Woman of Mexican Folklore by John O. West

The Legend Of La Llorona, The Vengeful Spirit Of The Southwest Who Drowned Her Own Children by Gina Dimuro

La Llorona | britannica.com

Lorelei | britannica.com

Banshee | britannica.com

La Llorona: The Weeping Woman | austinghosts.com

Reddit Thread

HISTORY (2026, Feb 26). La Llorona: The Ghost That Crossed Borders | MonsterQuest: Origins [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s384dmF7a_Y&t=347s