In the classic "Bless Me, Ultima," Rudolfo Anaya's evocation of Spanish-American life in New Mexico, a version of La Llorona is mentioned, one which used to strike fear into the children of that area.

"Along the river the tormented cry of a lonely goddess filled the valley. The winding wail made the blood of men run cold.
It is La Llorona, my brothers cried in fear, the old witch who cries along the river banks and seeks the blood of men and boys to drink!
La Llorona seeks the soul of Antonioooooooo...." [Substitute your name]
Now imagine listening to a grandma or grandpa, telling the story by firelight as you prepare to sleep....