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. A quick browse and youll find many pictures of the Rougarou. The next day Mr. Nameless, his older brother, and a mutual friend went ride back out to Peavine. This legendary creature of Cajun folklore is often depicted in literature and images as a man with a wolfs or dogs head. The New Orleans Pelicans, Louisiana's NBA team, were formerly known as the Hornets. If you thought voodoo was a thing of the past, think again! The sounds grew faint as the creature traveled deeper into the woods until they faded completely. This particular evening something strange caught the seminary students ear. Sometimes I mix all of these subjects together. For the original report of this sighting visit bfro.net Report #2764, Late October, near Sorrento, Louisiana a commuter was heading home. The only credibility I can give to these reports is that they ran in the paper. The creature was black, hairy, and walking upright on two legs. The rougarou is closely related to the European version of the werewolf but has a few very distinct differences from the wolfmen seen in movies and on television. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. Legends of the Rougarou. Its essentially a werewolf with a cajun spin on it. Where can you find a Rougarou? The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. However, due to its incredibly poor math skills, the beast can only count to 12. Click the image below to read our free eBook "The Big Book of Credit Union MythsBUSTED! Your email address will not be published. They appear as fluorescent balls of light which loom over the marshlands of Louisiana. During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. Official Post from Deborah Hatswell BBR Being Believed Research & Investigation http://www.gcbro.com/LAassumption03-12-2016.html, http://www.gcbro.com/LAlivingston0001.html, http://www.gcbro.com/LAsttammany0004.html. The story of the Rougarou supposedly changed once French immigrantsor possibly also French-Canadian immigrantscame to live in the area that is now Louisiana. Outside of Louisiana, the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio has a rollercoaster named Rougarou. Thank you! Required fields are marked *. And speaking of scaring Catholics, one French Catholic myth claims that in order for someone to turn into a Rougarou, they must break Lent seven years in a row. Turns out voodoo is still in. Our parents would say things like, you better behave or the rougarou is gonna get you, says Jonathan Foret, a native of Terrebonne Parish, a patchwork of bayou and lowlands on the Gulf shore. I want more! He sees it as an example of the way cryptids evolve alongside the cultures that created them. The article reported the murder of a man killed because his whiskey was too good and too profitable. The earliest report takes place in the swampy forest of Back Vacherie in 1891.An excerpt from Along The River Road, Past and Present on LouisianasHistoric Byway by Mary Ann Sternberg. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Is there a Louisiana werewolf? The bright lights of the stars flicker in the murky licks of the waves near the towering, ominous Cypress trees. The K-9 unit lost the scent once it ran into the marsh. Strange noise ? I remember he kept repeating something to the effect of look, Im not sure what I saw. At that time the only reference I had to Bigfoot was a few TV shows and a book I checked out a few times from my schools library. By the end, youll know the scariest rumors circulating in cajun land. There was thick wet swamp on both sides. 1989 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The monsters reputed locale, in the Honey Island Swamp, has an ominous and deadly history that precedes the legend. we have similar creatures in northeastern NY along with a few other cryptids like pig men and Bigfoot but i also have seen a panther like cat with black bat like wings by the tree line in a small town along lake Champlain. He flagged me down to speak with me. On a moonless night those are the darkest woods Ive ever trekked through.that includes the Black Forest, Mark Twain National Forest Missouri, the hills of West Virginia, and the Pine Flats in New Jersey. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. By clicking "Accept," you agree to the use of cookies on Pelican State of Mind. No purchase necessary. The next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw, but I was convinced. The Rougarou of the Bayou Louisiana is a fascinating place whose history is rich with legends from long ago. They had no clue to what creature could make such a sound. Proud foodie. Official Blog of Pelican State Credit Union. The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover One man hopes to turn the wolfish cryptid into a mascot for saving the state's imperiled wetlands. She describes the Rougarou as "an important identification marker for South Louisiana's culture." If you werent already aware, New Orleans has a prominent vampire subculture. Some even suggest a mix of biological and fringe. Dont believe us? Well, the rougarou of the Bayou country has a pretty strong link to the werewolf of ancient times in Europe and France. I was thinking the same. At first he thought it was a bear that was under the house causing a commotion, but as he approached the creature stood up and ran off into the swamp. I grew up that way and you would hear about strange things.. The creature in question was described by the officer as being an eight foot talk, bipedal hominid, dark hair (not fur), and massively build. In another variation of the story, the half man half wolf monster targets and kills Catholics that have failed to follow the rules of Lent. A close friend of the family who was on . This will perplex it, and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it must flee. The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. Your email address will not be published. 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. When they got to the spot they noticed the earth and surrounding plant life was disturbed like something big frequently passed there, a game trail of sorts. The villagers would capture people they believed to be a loup-garou and then hold a public trial. When they were choosing the new name, one of the trademarks filed for was the name the New Orleans Rougarou. After the officers spoke to the complainant they decided to do a search of the perimeter. A Police officer and his partner, responding to a neighborhood prowler call. Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of it. Honey Island Swamp Monster There is also a Native American story of the "Rugaru." When travelling down the interstate or the backroads in Louisiana, youll see lots of beautiful scenery. Here's what health officials, restaurants say. According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. In fact, instead of wolfish features, most Cajuns will describe the rougarou as resembling a dog or owl. It stands upright on two legs, and is covered in hair. I had relatives that lived in Covington," Brettel said. Werewolves have transformed, too, and not just into the Teen Wolf tv show and movie. Too afraid to move, he watched as a figure about 8 feet tall and hairy from head to toe passed slowly below him, eventually disappearing further into the woods. About four weeks ago, PB and his 5-year-old daughter were walking along their long dirt driveway that leads to their home. 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. The story of the Letieche is Louisianas Jungle Book. Is there really a Honey Island Swamp Monster, Louisiana's Bigfoot? The creature continued on as it reached a woody marsh area near a canal then disappeared. Coming across this story made me reach out to Mr. Nameless to see if he would entertain the idea answering some questions about the experience he had in the early 90s. Thanks for sharing it with us! We love meat too, but come on. The question nagged him into adulthood. As the rougarou lunges forward he defends himself and cuts its arm, thus releasing the curse from that person and putting it onto [himself].. Audobon's website also has Rougarou t-shirts for sale. All rights reserved. The neighbor, who was unaware of the husbands sighting, stated that while walking with his dog in the woods, his dog got spooked and ran back toward their house. But as with all great monsters, certifiable proof has been elusive. 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. Full report can be found on bfro.net Report # 56107. The Rougarou is a legendary creature that is often depicted on shirts, cups, and other forms of merchandise. Despite the Rougarou legend seemingly beginning as a way to scare Catholics and children, many locals maintain its existence and have their own personal stories, especially among the older generation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When faced with a supernatural beast that has superhuman strength, speed, and sharp claws and teeth, chances are you wouldnt be feeling very lucky. Ready for the creatures that will haunt you in your sleep? About half way back to the railroad crossing, 100 yards up the road. All the cliches are therethey come out at night mostly. We cant make this stuff up. Tell your version of this mythical creature in Louisiana in the comments below! 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. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. Thank you! The officers came around the corner of the house and saw a creature standing up, pressed against the side of the house, trying to maintain cover. Discover Louisiana's legendary werewolf: the Rougarou. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. It was also preached that French Catholics that broke the Lent seven years in a row would be hunted down and killed by the beast. How does it differ from a traditional werewolf? Have you ever heard of the Rougarou or another scary Louisiana monster before? Address: Rougarou Fest, 7910 W Park Ave, Houma, LA 70364, USA. You interact with them, theyre dancing and theyre nice. At this point, you are probably wondering just how the legend began. 22. Rougaroux Rum, manufactured by donner-peltier distillers in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has a special praline-flavored version called Rougaroux 13 Pennies. Frogs croak their songs in the distance and mosquitos buzz as they fly around looking for their next meal. It is said that you can protect yourself against the Rougarou by laying 13 small objects by your doors. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. According to folklore, a Rougarou is a human that has been placed under a spell. In the same story from The Nicholls Worth, the author, Brandon Folse, heavily quotes Patricia Perrin, a retired English instructor and folklore specialist. It was still very much daylight when this happened but the only detail he could make out was that the creature was upright and a bipedal hominid, dark in color. 7910 park ave houma, la (985) 580-7289 . This continued for 15 minutes until the sound started to travel away. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf. The hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. In 2011, Foret launched Rougarou Fest in Houma, Terrebones parish seat and largest city, as both a fundraiser for the center and a way to revive the fading cryptid tradition. 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. Overall, Weve seen the evolution of the werewolf become a more sophisticated, debonair character, Ancelet says. Another Louisiana swamp creature that seems rooted in lore is none other than the Rougarou, which is basically a Cajun version of the werewolf. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. It throws its head back, letting out a blood-curdling howl to the moon. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. For instance, there is a legend that says placing 13 pennies at entrances you wish to protect is the way to go. In a 2008 Fox News special,people claimed they'd seen the beast. The history of the Rougarou is centuries-old and has many different origins, but the earliest mention of the infamous, mythical Louisiana werewolf comes from medieval France. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Just Might Be Louisianas Biggest And Baddest Foodie Event, The Historic Restaurant In Louisiana Where You Can Still Experience The Old American South, Treat Yourself To A Homemade Ice Cream Cone At The Sweetport In Louisiana, This Train Restaurant In Louisiana Is The Most Enchanting Place To Eat, 7 Folktales, Legends, and Superstitions Every Louisianian Has Heard At Least Once, The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Louisiana Swamp Will Give You Chills, The Story Behind This Legendary Swamp Monster In Louisiana Will Give You The Chills, 7 Creepy Louisiana Ghost Stories That Will Make You Sleep With The Lights On, Wanderluster/E+ Collection via Getty Images, Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images, Troy Harrison/Moment Collection via Getty Images, 2ndLookGraphics/E+ Collection via Getty Images. Some versions of the myth involve witchcraft, wherein a witch has the ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou. Nothing is going to hurt me. The student also stated that he did not want to alarm the creature by running off. I found a report from Civil War veteran Fredrick Kliebert who was walking home from a squirrel hunt when he saw what he described as a giant. Driving west on Airline Hwy. An estimated 15,000 people now attend Rougarou Festival, which still manages to provide a very genuine peek into a culture and a land unlike any other in the world. The woman also reported finding hair all over the yard front steps, and porch. Loup-garou. "I think that there's magic in the swamps that's celebrated at Rougarou," Foret says. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. Enjoy these allegedly. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. We do have water spirits, such as Leviathan, a giant alligator spirit, who is actually mentioned in the Bible. We can only hope Ruston, LA never decides to build a Grunch Road. The short answer is oral tradition. The unfortunate person is under the spell for 101 days. The creature is described as half-man, half-dog. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. If this witness tells anyone about this encounter within a year and a day, they will become a Rougarou themselves. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Well written and well documented. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. For instance, instead of labourer, meaning to plow, sometimes youll hear Cajuns say rabourer. Could these sightings be and unknown species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the southeast Louisiana wilderness? USA Today ranked the Rougarou Fest as one of the top 10 costume parties in the country, and you can join in the fun and compete in the contest. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. Out hunting for deer, Hubert was perched atop an oak tree when he heard heavy sounds approaching from the woods behind him. Their friendly, but often sinister, nature makes these Cajun fairies some of the most dangerous Louisiana monsters. Foret is now director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit that educates students, in the classroom and on field trips, about the challenges of sea level rise, climate change, and living in a coastal communityone still recovering from 2021s Hurricane Ida. Since Cajun dialect is a mix of French and English and well-known for changing words completely to roll off the tongue easier, the name of the beast changed from loup-garou to Rougarou (also spelled roux-ga-roux, rugaroo, or rugaru). 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. The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide, US Ghost Adventures New Orleans Ghosts Review. But as someone who lives in Louisiana and knows many Catholics who break Lent, I'm not so sure about this myth's validity. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. The sound of human cries in the woods is a theme directly from faire lore. Just hope this Louisiana monster doesnt get hold of you. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. The line on the trees in this picture taken Nov. 16, 2017, shows the swamp's typical high-water mark, which generally arrives in the spring. And above all else, remember thisdont go into the swamps alone! Beasts called loup-garous, which means werewolves in French, were also infamous throughout the country. Theres a lot of blue tarps still on roofs everywhere, says Foret. Can you really only eat oysters in 'r' months? Past participants have described the festival as fun, and until COVID it had managed to attract a decent crowd each year. In Assumption Parish it is common place for house to be built substantially off the ground to withstand inevitable flood waters. [12] Deep within the swamps of south Louisiana, legend has it, there lives the Rougarou a legendary werewolf sort creature with sharp claws and glowing eyes. As the name implies, it pays homage to the legendary beast. And we value equal representation for allso they deserve a spot on our list of the scariest Louisiana monsters! Legend says that the Rougarou will hunt these individuals down and suck their blood, feeding on their energy for up to 101 days. When I asked Mr. Nameless if the creature was covered in hair he told me that he could not make out any detail other than the figure was large, and almost black. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! The Rougarou roams the bayou in search for misbehaving children to frighten. I realized that parts of our folklore and our oral traditions were getting lost, he says. Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. The man dropped his gun and ran. Some Louisiana monsters are walking around in plain sight! "This thing had a flat back. When they reached the paved section of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male Bobcat laying along the edge. Foret recalls hearing of one legendary rougarou run-in, when a young boy out for a stroll, armed with only his oyster knife, encountered the creature. Childrens authors have started using alligators as characters. Children are told by their elders to behave or else the Rougarou will get them. And then I realized that is what I saw! 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. These monsters are said to roam the cities, swamps, and scary places of Louisiana in search of their next victims, and its to your benefit to stay educated if you want any hope of survival. She witnessed someone slinking around her property. Since the migration, many of the legends began to change to match the times and the dialect. I am using it as research for a short story that I am wtiting. Not in the Pacific Northwest, but right there in Laplace! I am a journalist from Louisiana who has always been fascinated by folk lore and its cultural impact. This is why I always read terms and conditions. In this region; cities, towns, and neighborhoods tend to arise on the dry patches of earth that are surrounded by vast, thick, primordial swamp. The friend described a chilling encounter one warm morning. Were you told the story of the Rougarou as . Once the human is cursed, it is permanent. If your keys go missing without explanation, it could be a Lutin! People say, behind the disguises, theyre really the spirits of babies who died before baptism. Its too late to turn back! The Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou supernatural popularity. Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Creole. This version varies from being a Bigfoot legend to resembling something more like a wendigo. The creature stood upright on two legs. 4. Only you can prevent forest fires, and so only you can save Louisianas wetlands.. The story of the Rougarou (the Louisiana swamp monster) is not a new tale to anyone that lives or grew up in Louisiana. Who knows what it is? 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. Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Despite being a monster of legends, just like its cousin the werewolf, the Rougarou has its weakness. Even the act of self-defense could be life-altering. Despite your personal beliefs in the supernatural, these legends abound and continue to be told in the cajun lands to this day. French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the beast to Louisiana. Apparently that was a thing they did back then. She says a local boy was being followed by a dog when he decided to cut it with his pocketknife. Talk of the monster, of course, is also a staple of some of the swamp tours operating in the area. The only way to arrive at the truth is to keep your mind open to weirdness. one football field of coastline was lost per hour. 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.