Agayuma

Long before the lighthouses, the fishers of Iriona spoke of Agayuma — a spirit who lived where the river met the sea.

She tested every fisher with a single question, whispered through the foam: ítara san? — like this?

Those who answered with respect, palms open, were guided to the silver schools. Those who boasted came home with empty nets and salt-stung pride.

Elders still teach children to greet the water before drawing from it. Mábuiga, duna — hello, water. The spirit, they say, is listening.