This creature, also called Loup garou, is so popular it was depicted on the hit television series Supernatural.
"This thing had a flat back. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. There wasnt much to his story, but the seriousness of his delivery, and the apparent reluctance to tell me, gave his words credence. The name changed to rougarou in Cajun Louisiana because l and r are linguistically liquid consonants and they change places a lot, says Barry Jean Ancelet, a Cajun folklorist and professor emeritus with the University of Lafayette. 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. He told himself if whatever that was jumps out at me, I can always hit the accelerator. When he got to the area where the creature crossed the road, he looked out the drivers side window but did not see anything. She describes the Rougarou as "an important identification marker for South Louisiana's culture." If you dont have the stomach to fight the beast, you can protect yourself through other means. It was near 2am and both parties were hesitant to walk to the car to retrieve the purse. The beast is also a hit in pop culture here in Louisiana. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. We cant make this stuff up. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The details of just seeing the eyes suggest that this sighting happened in the early morning while it was still dark. During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. Enjoy these allegedly. 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. In the late summer of the early 90s (actual year up for debate), I was riding my bike. In this article, were going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters from folklore and legends. 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. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill. Have you ever heard of the Rougarou or another scary Louisiana monster before? Could these sightings be and unknown species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the southeast Louisiana wilderness? 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. But as with all great monsters, certifiable proof has been elusive. "Reporting a sighting of Bigfoot, Sasquatch and even the Honey Island Swamp Monster does not get you labeled a crazy person anymore, and therefore, those who believe eyewitnesses are not labeled crazy either," said Dana Holyfield, granddaughter of Harlan Ford a man often credited with having the first recorded encounter with the purported swamp monster. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. It ended up passing within 15 yards of Mr. Klibert. An illegal moonshine distilling business once drove much of the area's economy, but competition could be shot down without any repercussions, according to the article. Despite your personal beliefs in the supernatural, these legends abound and continue to be told in the cajun lands to this day. "Who. Then my son started asking me about the rougarou legend and I was like a wha t? The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. The New Orleans Pelicans, Louisiana's NBA team, were formerly known as the Hornets. The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. Sam and Dean had a struggle with this one. In 1989 this man was alone on top of the levee near Bayou Steel; He was waiting for his brother to meet him to go hunting behind the levee. I realized that parts of our folklore and our oral traditions were getting lost, he says. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. Out of the shaking bush came a large hairy arm, grabbed a handful of leaves then went back in. This is similar to that of a traditional werewolf, however, unlike a werewolf, the Rougarou during the day appears weak, sickly, and vulnerable. He was only about 100 yards away when it crossed so a person would not of had time to get far enough to disappear into the swamp. 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. With the head of a werewolf and the body of a man, the creature is said to prey on misbehaving children and dates back to medieval France. Also in Harvey, residents say they've seen it knocking over trashcans and chasing cats. Another Louisiana swamp creature that seems rooted in lore is none other than the Rougarou, which is basically a Cajun version of the werewolf. There she saw standing next to a tree 25 feet away a creature that she described as being extremely tall and white. He hides in tall grass near Grunch Road in New Orleans, LA, waiting to prey on teens who park there.
Louisiana's Rougarou Fest - Enchanted Living Magazine As the rougarou lunges forward he defends himself and cuts its arm, thus releasing the curse from that person and putting it onto [himself]..
The Rougarou ---- The Louisiana Swamp Monster - YouTube The New Orleans Pelicans had originally thought about changing their names from the Hornets to the Rougarous at one point! Love Louisiana? There was also a story that was told to kids that if they didnt do what their parents asked, a loup-garou would come and steal them away in the middle of the night. I had relatives that lived in Covington," Brettel said. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. In a 2008 Fox News special,people claimed they'd seen the beast. Curious Louisiana answers. There has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends. The brave friend continued on to the car, opened the door and started to feel around in the dark for the purse in the passenger seat. There are documentaries about this you can easily find on YouTube. It stands upright on two legs, and is covered in hair. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. This sighting took place just north of the Manchac Swamp region, about a quarter mile away from Hwy. 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.
THE ROUGAROU - Folklore, Myths & Legends Some have claimed it to be the body of a Rougarou, though others have speculated it might be a Chupacabra or Devil Monkey. Curious Louisiana explains it's not all random. 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. Werewolves have transformed, too, and not just into the Teen Wolf tv show and movie. The seminary student continued to stand still to observe further when the creature started to pace back in fourth just out of sight, beyond the tree line, all why still producing the strange whimpers. 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. Legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from society in the woods just outside of New Orleans. It is known as the most haunted road in the entire state. Were you told the story of the Rougarou as . Some Louisiana monsters are walking around in plain sight! All the cliches are therethey come out at night mostly. No, you dont become a Rougarou from a bite or scratch, or from losing a bet. We know what you are probably thinking. My Encounter With a Rougarou "aka Louisiana Werewolf". We use cookies to provide you with the best possible browsing experience. 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.
Legend of the Rougarou: Louisiana's Werewolf How safe are you from this magnificent monster? Kliebert tried to communicate with the giant, asking who are you? There are quite a few roads that are known to be haunted or spirited in Louisiana, but none is quite as infamous as Bayou Sale Road, a long curvy road that connects Dulac, LA to Cocodrie, LA. Well written and well documented. In a new subdivision that was still being developed named Sheryls Meadows, a 12 year old riding their mini-bike along with their cousin saw a lumbering creature approximately 500 yards away. "I think that there's magic in the swamps that's celebrated at Rougarou," Foret says. Audobon's website also has Rougarou t-shirts for sale. Like the childhood game of telephone, the story morphs over the years as it gets passed down from generation to generation. Louisiana monsters have been the subject of controversy for years. I need to do some more research on those spirits! Last but not least, the pinnacle of mythology in the bayou state and kingpin of all Louisiana monsters the Rougarou. Origins of the Rougarou lie in 16th Century medieval French Folklore. 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. After the initial sighting by the husband, the wife reported that a neighbor came by in an adjatated state. This is why I always read terms and conditions. The court would ask the public if they believed the accused to be a loup-garou, and usually the public agreed (mainly for fear that theyd be outed as a witch or a loup-garou themselves). However, it is unlikely you will find any real pictures of a Rougarou, if there are any, as most claims of sighting have turned out to be a hoax. We got kicked out of Nova Scotia, and now were getting kicked out of Louisiana and it just feels like theres some generational trauma linked to being forced to move over and over again, he says. The friend described a chilling encounter one warm morning. Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a voodoo priestess. 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. Numerous ghost sightings have been reported over the years, making it one of the most haunted landmarks in the USA. The full moon hangs high over the Louisiana swampland. Origins of the Rougarou lie in 16th Century medieval French Folklore. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. The 12 year old that was operating the mini-bike accelerated so hard that thier cousin fell off the back. Theyre not trying to eat you, Ancelet says. There are also stories of an enormous monster that also shares the bayou with the Rougarou and that is the Honey Island Swamp Monster, which is also known as Louisiana's "bigfoot of the swamp." Another telling of the story says that the Rougarou is under a 101-day curse, unless the affected person can transfer the curse to another human . Beasts called loup-garous, which means werewolves in French, were also infamous throughout the country. That these creatures are flesh and blood, but the reason they go undetected is because they are inter-dimensional beings that pop in and out of our reality. 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. What is the Rougarou? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Their friendly, but often sinister, nature makes these Cajun fairies some of the most dangerous Louisiana monsters. If you have lived in Louisiana, there is a significant chance you have heard the lore of the Rougarou (also spelled as Rouxgaroux). On the last Saturday in October in the city of Houma, Rougarou Fest is held. The woman also reported finding hair all over the yard front steps, and porch. Full report can be found at http://www.gcbro.com/LAlivingston0001.html. The officer reported that the creature crossed a 22 foot wide street in three strides. It sounds like a wolf, but somethings a little off. The Rougarou, or as others may say, Loup garou, is a bayou-dwelling werewolf. The giant was walking westerly at a quick pace with a sorrowful but purposeful look. Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a Voodoo priestess. It was a fall evening and this student was walking on a road in back of the property that borders cow pastures and piney woods. all proceeds from rougarou fest go to the south louisiana wetlands discovery center click here to learn more. The commuter stated Unlike the sloth, it was man-like. Full report can be found on bfro.net Report #514.
4 Unique Tales of the Rougarou from Southern Louisiana - OnlyInYourState Stories of cajun folklore monsters have been passed down for decadescenturies even.
History of the Rougarou: Louisiana's Werewolf - Pelican State of Mind Generations of children have heard the scary. The tales of the Rougarou have many variations, but it is mostly described as being a hulking beast, up to 10 feet tall, with the hair covered body of a human and the head of a wolf or in some cases a . The creature ran two city blocks before absconding into the marsh. Perhaps this giant was not a fan of small talk, and from the direction of travel I suspect the giant was heading home to Chackbay. You can find information on the legend of Cauchemar in folklore from all around the world, and it even exists in the Deep South. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. The jury is still out on this one, because people cant seem to figure out exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. However embracing legends, customs and tradition is the very foundation of culture. 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. 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. 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. 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. Dragons, once the ultimate test of a heros courage, have been effectively domesticated. He hides in tall grass near Grunch Road in New Orleans, LA, waiting to prey on teens who park there. 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. Foret grew up in southern Louisiana, between the Atchafalaya Basin and New Orleans, where stories of the rougarou are most often heardand he wouldnt venture into wooded areas at night because of them.
Rougarou - Wikipedia Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. The concepts surrounding the Rougarous supernatural abilities link it closely with traditional concepts of the mythical werewolf. Did your house get ransacked during the night? He has the body of a man, head of a werewolf, and sharp teeth that can seamlessly tear through flesh. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! Is there really a Honey Island Swamp Monster, Louisiana's Bigfoot? 51. Can you really only eat oysters in 'r' months? The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide. So normally I dont believe it till I see it but in this case I saw it before I even heard about it and now I totally believe it. This terrifying creature has evolved over millenniabut never lost the need to feed. The friend forgot her purse in the car. Your email address will not be published.
Legend of the Rougarou, a Louisiana werewolf - The Daily Advertiser I believe that people are seeing these poor mangy bears instead of werewolves. March 18th 2022 was the full moon or the Worm Moon and as I was driving down i49 something crossed the road it was almost like a creature I seen in Scooby-Doo doo it ran so fast across the highway on 2 feet and was so tall. Local stories say the Rougarou roams the streets at night, antagonizing people to attack it. For centuries, if you didnt follow Catholic traditions, such as observing Lent, or if you hunted on holy days, the rougarou would get you. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. When French settlers came to Louisiana, the story came with them. These Louisiana monsters claim they feel lethargic and drained if they dont get the proper serving size of blood in on the regular. 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. Strange noise ?
8 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore | PeachTown The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. 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. Let us know in the comments below! He told me how past the railroad track, near the lake they had some deer in a fenced in area. 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. 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. troy landrey talked about it on swamp people. As outlandish as that sounds some of the very details in this essay support that. According to Cajun folklore, the monster is said to inhabit the swamps and sugar cane fields around the Acadiana and Greater New Orleans regions. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! We all have a notion that this world is a lot stranger than it seems on a surface level. When the first drop of blood is drawn, the creature returns to human form and tells the attacker who it really is. 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. Have you been told a different story about the Rougarou? The mud was too sloppy to retain any prints. 1989 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Considering how many hunters love senselessly killing wild boars, we really cant blame the swamp monster. I was thinking the same. Had me captured. The student claimed it was the exact same sounds they heard during their encounter. Variations also associate it with animals such as pigs, cows, and chickens, due to the fact that wolves are not often seen in the area. When the child saw the dog transform into a man, he dashed home to tell his family. The next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. A spell that as you will soon find out is not that easy to break.
The Rougarou, The Louisiana Swamp Werewolf - YouTube document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. In Assumption Parish it is common place for house to be built substantially off the ground to withstand inevitable flood waters. The Husband also described the creature as being dark in color and large. Full report can be found on http://www.gcbro.com/LAassumption03-12-2016.html. Discover Louisiana's legendary werewolf: the Rougarou. Your email address will not be published. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. The anonyms Laplace man said he was out near Ruddock with a friend, they were clearing land with a bulldozer when they came across footprints in the mud that were at least 19 inches in length. Recently I saw a picture of a bear with severe mange which looked like how people describe werewolves and rougarous. The story of the Rougarou supposedly changed once French immigrantsor possibly also French-Canadian immigrantscame to live in the area that is now 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. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). 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. A large dark figure on two legs crossed the road. Children are told by their elders to behave or else the Rougarou will get them. The story was born in France in medieval times, when they actually believed in werewolves.
Upright Canine (Possible 'Rougarou') Encountered in Beauregard Parish Rougarou Fest | Houma, Louisiana The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. That is if we are to believe that these creatures are flesh and blood biological entities. The seminary student had the urge to run back to the monastery to tell someone but a thought emerged NO. 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. Rougaroux Rum, manufactured by donner-peltier distillers in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has a special praline-flavored version called Rougaroux 13 Pennies. 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. http://www.gcbro.com/LAassumption03-12-2016.html, http://www.gcbro.com/LAlivingston0001.html, http://www.gcbro.com/LAsttammany0004.html. That's how I knew it wasnt a bear, another witness reported. Thats no werewolf, though. Thank you! The officer that reported this sighting stated he and his partner did not discuss this much past that night. 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 hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. The Same LObservateur article that mentioned the Laplace mans sighting near Ruddock in 1983, also makes mention of another Laplace man that had a strange encounter on top of the levee near Bayou Steel. ", This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Is there a Louisiana werewolf?
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. The Rougarou is also thought to be nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience.
The Rougarou: Louisiana's Cajun Werewolf - Exemplore Makes that morning commute not seem so bad, right? Once the girl was halfway to the vehicle she noticed her friend was still standing at the front door of the house. Its popularity has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it. Back in the day of armor, swords and jousting, there was a lot more to fear than the plague and witches. It has the face of a canine with many sharp, frightening teeth. The K-9 unit lost the scent once it ran into the marsh. In an interview conducted by Carter Buschardt, the officer stated that he went back to look at the end of shift report he filed the night of the encounter, but was unable to find the report. The story of the Letieche is Louisianas Jungle Book.
Don't Miss The Best Festival In Louisiana, The Rougarou Fest 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. On a different occasion that same Laplace man was out in the swamp with these two Doberman pinchers when he spotted a 7 foot tall bi-pedal creature that caused the dogs to run off. People claim he leaves behind webbed footprints (presumably to navigate the swamps effectively) and mutilates wild boars. 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. However, many people also believe it's just a dog. Required fields are marked *. If youre familiar with Louisianas history, you know voodoo is part of it. But first, lets dive into some of its histories. Bobby Brettel grew up in New Orleans, nearly 40 miles away from the moss-tangled bayous of eastern St. Tammany Parish's Honey Island Swamp. 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. Most Christians believe any spirit that is not a holy one is a demonic spirit. 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. Loup-garou. Its too late to turn back! Official Post from Deborah Hatswell BBR Being Believed Research & Investigation The trickster figure really went from being the bad guy, the one to watch out for, to being a hero, says Rabalais, adding that the shift reflected the reality of the people who told and retold the stories. He sees it as an example of the way cryptids evolve alongside the cultures that created them. It was late in the evening when Mr. Nameless flagged me down.
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