We cant make this stuff up. The neighbor then said he saw an 8 foot tall creature standing on two legs. Some sources claim the myth originated in medieval France, when belief in werewolves would have been far more prevalent. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. I'm considering creating a documentary on the legend of the Rougarou when I get some more free time in the future. We love meat too, but come on. mystery of Marie Laveau, Louisianas Voodoo Queen, Jacques St. Germain, The Infamous Louisiana Vampire, Jean Lafitte: Mystery of the Unfound Treasure, History of the Louisiana Snowball and Its Flavors. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. In the official report the officer filed he was honest, but kept the details to a minimum, it was a very tall dark figure, with no description of clothing. According to two deputies who refused to have their names published for fear of retaliation, killers knew they could disappear into the swamp's thick fog, their whereabouts untrackable by officers or bloodhounds. As the name implies, it pays homage to the legendary beast. For Foret and many other Cajun residents in the area, the real possibility that climate change will eventually force them from their homes is particularly upsetting. 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. The curse is transferred when it draws another human's blood. Kliebert tried to communicate with the giant, asking who are you? After being spotted, the creature ran between two houses then continued to the street when it passed under a streetlight. Some months prior to this her entire family told her they hear a woman screaming at the top of her lungs, followed by a gurgling noise coming from the woods. I got more specific with my search terms and soon stumbled upon something that reignited the idea of a creature like Bigfoot existing in our parts. Origins of the Rougarou lie in 16th Century medieval French Folklore. The human animal sobbing sounds were also accompanied by the snapping of branches and the crackling of leaves that gave the impression of something large moving through the woods. No, you dont become a Rougarou from a bite or scratch, or from losing a bet. Over the years there have been many different stories about this mythical creature in Louisiana, a common occurrence with oral traditions like this one. Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of it. Apparently, when a person changes into a Rougarou they forget how to count past 12 (probably since they only worry about midnight and the moon at this point). After years of inbreeding, their appearance became less and less human-like, resulting in what people now call The Grunch. According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. The story of the Rougarou (the Louisiana swamp monster) is not a new tale to anyone that lives or grew up in Louisiana. There she saw standing next to a tree 25 feet away a creature that she described as being extremely tall and white. However embracing legends, customs and tradition is the very foundation of culture. They are a defining characteristic of Louisiana culture and make the state a truly unique place to live. For those of you who haven't heard th. Local stories say the Rougarou roams the streets at night, antagonizing people to attack it. For instance, there is a legend that says placing 13 pennies at entrances you wish to protect is the way to go. She described it also as being tall and hairy and went on to further say that it was almost so white it was glowing. She also described the creature to be staring in her direction. The Rougarou is often also associated with the Skunk Ape or the Honey Island Swamp Monster, likely due to another variation of the myth that states the creature is a shapeshifter that can change forms between human and animal at will, sometimes making it seem more like a swamp Sasquatch than a werewolf. To my surprise I got text response saying Im outside in my backyard if you want to come over, its not much of a story. I remember it was a brief encounter and not many details but my objective was to write down what he remembered from his perspective, rather than a second-hand accounting from my childhood perspective. People say, behind the disguises, theyre really the spirits of babies who died before baptism. Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! The French actually have a similar story of the Loup-garou. The bright lights of the stars flicker in the murky licks of the waves near the towering, ominous Cypress trees. all proceeds from rougarou fest go to the south louisiana wetlands discovery center click here to learn more. Can you really only eat oysters in 'r' months? A 1926 article in the New Orleans States juxtaposes scenes of the wild honeysuckle and vibrant Southern foliage of the area against bushes used as hiding spots for murderers to ambush victims. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. They described it as a cross between a whimpering dog and human crying. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. This a great article!! The seminary student had the urge to run back to the monastery to tell someone but a thought emerged NO. Offer subject to change without notice. There are documentaries about this you can easily find on YouTube. Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. Rougarou Fest/Facebook. Here's what health officials, restaurants say. But now, the story of the once-terrifying rougarou is changing, along with the coastal wetlands it has long called home. Growing up, my Mom always called it the Wigawoo, and I never knew any different til I was 30something. The Rougarou roams the bayou in search for misbehaving children to frighten. The student would take evening walks while saying the rosary. After Ford's death, a grainy film reel was found in his attic that shows a large and hairy figure shuffling upright between the trees. Get monthly email updates and the chance to win a prize. The story of the Letieche is Louisianas Jungle Book. Outside of the infamous Honey Island Swamp Monster, there were not many stories that I found in my preliminary search. Lurking in the woods and wetlands of southern Louisiana, according to Cajun legend, theres a ferocious monster that attacks the wayward and the wanderer. You interact with them, theyre dancing and theyre nice. People who didnt have a lot of physical or social power in society found a way to survive through being clever., Even Louisianas infamous and very real alligators have undergone a rebranding. More than a millennium ago, vampires were demonic vectors of disease, possibly reflecting the very real threat of rabies. The brave friend dismissed what she saw for a moment and continued to search for the purse in the dark. Then my son started asking me about the rougarou legend and I was like a wha t? The Rougarou has even been made into an action figure, part of a series that also features Sasquatch and the Yeti. The concepts surrounding the Rougarous supernatural abilities link it closely with traditional concepts of the mythical werewolf. There were no apparent wounds or blood, but the fresh carcass looked like it had been battered and crushed. Whatever he saw had Mr. Nameless so unsettled that even from the safety of his truck was hesitant to pass where the creature had crossed. Frequently referred to as beast in the story, the part-man, part-animal with piercing yellow eyes has appeared in several anecdotes by self-styled witnesses since the 1960s. I had almost forgot about it since no one answered phone when I wanted to tell someone what I just seen was so weird. Despite the fact that it was originally a legend, there are still claimed sightings of the Rougarou to this day, though it has died off a bit in the past decade. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Their body would then undergo a transformation, and they would develop a craving for meat. Generations of children have heard the scary. ", This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. We use cookies to provide you with the best possible browsing experience. Like other "monsters" Loch Ness, Bigfoot the Honey Island Swamp Monster has developed an enduring legend. The New Orleans Pelicans, Louisiana's NBA team, were formerly known as the Hornets. For centuries, if you didnt follow Catholic traditions, such as observing Lent, or if you hunted on holy days, the rougarou would get you. Official Blog of Pelican State Credit Union. "This thing had a flat back. That festival is cool because it links folklore to current issues and things that people need to be aware of, Rabalais says. Nothing is going to hurt me. The student also stated that he did not want to alarm the creature by running off. Your email address will not be published. The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. Years later the seminary student was watching a television program about Bigfoot and they played audio of a suspected Sasquatch. The Rougarou: Southern Louisiana The legends of the rougarou, or loup-garou, have been passed down from generation to generation as long as Louisiana has been inhabited by modern man. The article contained a short anecdotal account of an unnamed Laplace man that in 1983 saw something correlates with what Mr. Nameless saw. This legendary creature of Cajun folklore is often depicted in literature and images as a man with a wolfs or dogs head. It now craves human flesh and overturns small boats to devour and feast! But for decades, hes wondered about one of the swamp's fabled creatures the Honey Island Swamp Monster, a legendary 500-pound beast that some claim hides amid the cypress trees andmurky waters. Could these sightings be and unknown species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the southeast Louisiana wilderness? Loup-garou. Why do Bud's Broiler's burger prices conflict? The only one I say can I truly believe is the sighting told to me by Mr. Nameless and that is only because I have known him my entire life and trust him. It was a full moon so it made spotting the Bullfrogs easier "super tasty btw", anyway we're wondering down by the . Wow, this is most definitely going to be my art project gonna be difficult but I'll get it done. A story in The Nicholls Worth, a local college paper, titled "Rougarou Remains Strong Figure in Cajun Folklore," recounts a story from a woman about an experience in her youth. The hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. For the original report of this sighting visit bfro.net Report #2764, Late October, near Sorrento, Louisiana a commuter was heading home. The Rougarou myth is even so prevalent that the term "rougarouing" or similar terms have become used to describe a person who stays up late or is active at night. There are multiple categories you can enter, including ones for kids and pets. A long-simmering proposal to dam the Pearl River near Jackson, Miss., has prompted concerns in southeast Louisina and southwest Mississippi about how such a project would impact the lower Pearl River. There was a significant belief in the beast by the populace that people were put on trial and found guilty of being the fabled beast. Some legends of the beast say it can only be killed by fire, others say it can be killed while its in its vulnerable human form. The same 12 year old child claims that about a month after, they were out with the same cousin in the woods that bordered their neighborhood, when they spotted a bush along the train track shake. In the late summer of the early 90s (actual year up for debate), I was riding my bike. The creature was black, hairy, and walking upright on two legs. Long, thin arm attached to a 6 to 7 foot frame. The Caribbean island nation of Haiti, already steeped in the dark lore of zombies and voodoo magic, also has its own version of the infamous werewolf, which they call the je-rouges, or "red eyes." It is also referred to it as the French loup-garou and by the Creole word lougarou. If your keys go missing without explanation, it could be a Lutin! I heard sounds Ive never heard and smells Id never smelled but never spied anything. If you decide to attend the festival or find yourself around the swamps, make sure to remember the tricks and tactics we covered in this article. Theres a howl in the near distance. Was there really a monster in the swamps? The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide, US Ghost Adventures New Orleans Ghosts Review. Talk of the monster, of course, is also a staple of some of the swamp tours operating in the area. When they were choosing the new name, one of the trademarks filed for was the name the New Orleans Rougarou. For instance, in 2015, the floorless roller coaster Mantis was renamed Rougarou. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. Did your house get ransacked during the night? In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. Since the migration, many of the legends began to change to match the times and the dialect. He has the body of a man, head of a werewolf, and sharp teeth that can seamlessly tear through flesh. I realized that parts of our folklore and our oral traditions were getting lost, he says. Required fields are marked *. The cryptid, usually described as a towering, hairy monster, is allegedly a human cursed to take beastly form. In an attempt to keep occupied and at home during these various phases of the Covid-19 pandemic, on a whim I decided to search out Louisiana based Bigfoot sightings. See. One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Country's answer to Bigfoot. So this happened to me a few years ago, I was visiting a friend's house in the Houston River area, that section of the river is pretty swampy so we were frog hunting at night. Frogs croak their songs in the distance and mosquitos buzz as they fly around looking for their next meal. The rougarou (or loup-garou) is a monster from Cajun folklore. Some Louisiana monsters are walking around in plain sight! Deep in the swamps of south Louisiana, legend has it, there lives the Rougarou a mythical werewolf type creature with sharp claws and glowing eyes. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. Your email address will not be published. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. When faced with a supernatural beast that has superhuman strength, speed, and sharp claws and teeth, chances are you wouldnt be feeling very lucky. The creature in question was described by the officer as being an eight foot talk, bipedal hominid, dark hair (not fur), and massively build. There has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends. A quick browse and youll find many pictures of the Rougarou. Also known as Cajun fairies, these creatures can be either good or bad depending on the circumstances. Most Christians believe any spirit that is not a holy one is a demonic spirit. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Strange noise ? You have permission to edit this article. The only way to arrive at the truth is to keep your mind open to weirdness. For decades, the equivalent of one football field of coastline was lost per hour; while the rate has slowed, the regions long-term prognosis remains grim. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. After the initial sighting by the husband, the wife reported that a neighbor came by in an adjatated state. 51. Legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from society in the woods just outside of New Orleans. That kind of transformation happens and I suspect that whats going on with this festival., But unlike sexy vampires or friendly alligators, Forets rougarou has been reimagined to champion a specific cause: protecting its habitat, which in turn will protect our own. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. She witnessed someone slinking around her property. Theres an annual Rougarou Festival in Houma every year, and the Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has a Rougarou exhibit, which includes a statue of the creature in all its swampy glory. And above all else, remember thisdont go into the swamps alone! 9 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Cauchemar, Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts in 2021. Your email address will not be published. As outlandish as that sounds some of the very details in this essay support that. Love Louisiana? The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. Two dead squirrels and a dead rabbit were found under the house where the creature had been rummaging. This beast first sighted in 1963 is reminiscent of the popular DC character known as Swamp Thing. It was late in the evening and getting dark, so they could not see into the bush. "I heard the story from veteran hunters. I am using it as research for a short story that I am wtiting. The story of the Rougarou supposedly changed once French immigrantsor possibly also French-Canadian immigrantscame to live in the area that is now Louisiana. Be careful, because Louisiana monsters are all over! While the officers were talking to the lady, a K-9 unit arrived on scene and when they began their search the dog alerted to something. Required fields are marked *. Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. "I think it's fascinating,'' said Brettel. Southeast Louisiana Bigfoot Sightings. Legends of the Rougarou. Official Post from Deborah Hatswell BBR Being Believed Research & Investigation Childrens authors have started using alligators as characters. The full moon hangs high over the Louisiana swampland. Back in the day of armor, swords and jousting, there was a lot more to fear than the plague and witches. I am a journalist from Louisiana who has always been fascinated by folk lore and its cultural impact. Dont believe us? People claim he leaves behind webbed footprints (presumably to navigate the swamps effectively) and mutilates wild boars. Its popularity has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it. 1990-1992 (early 90s) St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The beast is also a hit in pop culture here in Louisiana. They look for blood donors who are willing to sell them blood, and yes, they drink it. Crafty. There was a problem saving your notification. There's more to this 19th-century crime than the dark side of fairy lore. It is most often described as having a human body with the head of a wolf or dog, with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp teeth. At the annual October events rougarou costume contest, the fests mascot is reimagined hundreds of different ways, including as an eco-activist. One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Countrys answer to Bigfoot. It will begin to recount the pennies, continuously perplexed as it encounters the number 13, until sunrise. I believe that people are seeing these poor mangy bears instead of werewolves. But as someone who lives in Louisiana and knows many Catholics who break Lent, I'm not so sure about this myth's validity. The French Catholics claimed that you would be turned into a loup-garou if you did not follow the rules of Lent for seven consecutive years. Deep in the rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night. Is one of these crafty cryptids on display in a small museum? The Loupe Garou has to be based on stories told by parents wanting there children to behave and make there beds clean the dishes ect ect. Kliebert was stunned when he saw this giant approaching him. The brave friend stated that something in her mind told her to look ahead.