The story runs that long ago this mountain was infested with wild beasts who destroyed the people of the neighboring villages.

Fearing extermination, the people of the town decided to consult the Juaves, who were famous for their _naguales_, or witches.

The oldest and most skilled _nagual_ of the tribe was employed.
Having performed his incantations, he told them they might expect immediate deliverance; that he had conjured a deliverer from the sea.
Soon there came forth from the water a gigantic turtle, who made his way slowly inland, until he reached the bottom of the hill, which was the home of the tigers.

The dangerous animals were just descending from the mountain in a double line, but the moment they caught sight of the mammoth sea-monster, their bodies froze with terror and they were turned to stone.

Terrified at the power of the creature he had conjured, the old _nagual_ quickly made use of his most powerful incantation, with the result that the turtle also was transformed into stone.