Comprachicos

Legendary group of child mutilators

Comprachicos depicted in "L'Homme qui rit" by Daniel Vierge

The term Comprachicos (also known as "comprapequeños" or "child-buyers") refers to a legendary group of people who were said to buy and disfigure children for profit. The concept was popularized by Victor Hugo in his novel The Man Who Laughs (L'Homme qui rit). According to the legend, these individuals would alter the appearance of children, often through grotesque means, to create deformed adults who could be used as entertainers or beggars.

Origins and Etymology

The word "comprachicos" is derived from the Spanish "comprar" (to buy) and "chicos" (children), literally meaning "child-buyers." The term was coined by Victor Hugo in the 19th century, although the concept of altering children's appearances for entertainment purposes dates back to earlier times.

Historical Context

The idea of the comprachicos is rooted in historical practices where children were sometimes exploited for entertainment. In various cultures, individuals with physical deformities were often displayed in freak shows or used as court jesters. The comprachicos were said to take this a step further by intentionally creating such deformities.

Methods Allegedly Used

According to the legend, the comprachicos employed various methods to alter the appearance of children. These methods included:

• Mutilation: Physical alterations such as cutting or reshaping body parts.
• Binding: Using tight bindings to restrict growth or shape limbs.
• Chemical Treatments: Applying substances to the skin to cause disfigurement.

These practices were said to be performed on very young children, whose bodies were still malleable.

Cultural Impact

The story of the comprachicos has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture. Victor Hugo's depiction in The Man Who Laughs brought widespread attention to the concept, influencing subsequent works of fiction and contributing to the mythos surrounding child exploitation.

Criticism and Skepticism

Many historians and scholars view the comprachicos as a fictional or exaggerated account rather than a historical reality. The lack of concrete evidence supporting the existence of such groups suggests that the comprachicos may have been a literary device used to critique societal norms and injustices.

In Literature and Media

The comprachicos have appeared in various forms of media, often as a symbol of cruelty and exploitation. They are frequently referenced in discussions about the ethics of body modification and the treatment of children in entertainment.

Related Pages

• Victor Hugo
• The Man Who Laughs
• Freak show
• Child exploitation