The story itself usually tells of a poor peasant woman named Maria. Many years ago, they say, Maria fell in love with a young Spanish nobleman, who built a small house for her and visited her often, without the knowledge of his highborn parents. Although not sanctioned by the church, their union was happy and was blessed with several children.

One day, he broke the news to her. Under pressure from his parents, who wanted him to marry and give them grandchildren, he had promised to wed a “suitable” lady. Some say he promised to care for Maria; others say that he simply ceased to visit her. In any case, Maria was enraged and overcome with grief. After the wedding, she hurried home. The children were at play by the river. After putting everything in order, she walked down to the water and, one by one, cast the children into the swift current. She then leaped into the river and drowned.

When Maria’s soul arrived at the heavenly gates, God asked, “Where are your children?” Maria was ashamed and said she did not know. “Well, then,” the Lord told her, “go and find them. For you may not rest until they are found.”

Other local versions portray Maria as an unfaithful wife. She was not devoted to her family and spent much time with other men. One night, leaving her children alone, she visited one of her lovers and a fire broke out at her house. Rushing home to try to save her children, she was overcome with guilt. The smoke was thick and black, and both she and the children were consumed in the flames. She was doomed to wander forever, often appearing at bonfires along the Rio Grande searching for her family.

Yet another version is told in the village of La Mesilla. Maria was a poor young girl who married far above her station. Her husband was wealthy and had a beautiful home. Soon the couple had a baby boy. Within a short time, however, Maria’s husband grew bored with her. He paid her little attention and Maria began to seek affection elsewhere by having an affair. She was unfortunately found out, and her husband announced that he planned to leave her and take the boy with him.

The next night, while her husband was out, Maria, who was extremely despondent, picked up a sharp kitchen knife. The boy was asleep in his cradle, and before Maria realized what she was doing, she killed the child. Seeing what she had done, she ran out the door to the banks of the river and leaped into the dark water and drowned.