This creature, also called Loup garou, is so popular it was depicted on the hit television series Supernatural. If you have lived in Louisiana, there is a significant chance you have heard the lore of the Rougarou (also spelled as Rouxgaroux). It now craves human flesh and overturns small boats to devour and feast! Growing up, my Mom always called it the Wigawoo, and I never knew any different til I was 30something. Enjoy these allegedly. They appear as fluorescent balls of light which loom over the marshlands of Louisiana. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. 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. 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. 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. The details of just seeing the eyes suggest that this sighting happened in the early morning while it was still dark. Like the childhood game of telephone, the story morphs over the years as it gets passed down from generation to generation. Here's what health officials, restaurants say. However embracing legends, customs and tradition is the very foundation of culture. The beast is also a hit in pop culture here in Louisiana. And then I realized that is what I saw! Well written and well documented. 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. Despite being a monster of legends, just like its cousin the werewolf, the Rougarou has its weakness. The villagers would capture people they believed to be a loup-garou and then hold a public trial. Aside from snakes and alligators, there are lots of predators and other scary things living there. "I heard the story from veteran hunters. He slowed down when he saw it because he got the impression that this was not a man. Despite your personal beliefs in the supernatural, these legends abound and continue to be told in the cajun lands to this day. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. Curious Louisiana answers. Rougarou Fest/Facebook. Once the rougarou settled into southern Louisianas swampy shadows, it took on some aspects of local Native American cryptids, such as a legendary Choctaw shapeshifting owl-witch. Your email address will not be published. In this article, were going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters from folklore and legends. The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill.
Lougarou | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom They look for blood donors who are willing to sell them blood, and yes, they drink it. Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! troy landrey talked about it on swamp people. Bog Monster of Louisiana T-Shirt (Impractical Jokers). 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).
The Rougarou, The Louisiana Swamp Werewolf - YouTube By clicking "Accept," you agree to the use of cookies on Pelican State of Mind. What I saw scared the life out of me. Your email address will not be published. We love meat too, but come on. Your email address will not be published. In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. 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 this point, the beast is forced to retreat as its human form begins to resurface. This is similar to that of a traditional werewolf, however, unlike a werewolf, the Rougarou during the day appears weak, sickly, and vulnerable. Your email address will not be published. Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of 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. Where can you find a Rougarou? Deep in the rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night. Usually theyd find someone in the woods or someone in the village who was just acting strange.. As the name implies, it pays homage to the legendary beast. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails - YouTube Considering how many hunters love senselessly killing wild boars, we really cant blame the swamp monster. Its fingernails are grisly claws. The rougarou, the Cajun cryptid said to haunt Louisiana's wetlands, is the mascot of a conservation effort for its traditional habitat. When this is done on the 101st after the curse was initially placed, the former Rougarou is freed from the curse and allowed to take human form permanently. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. Once the cousin jumped back on they yelled GO! They did not look back after that. I remember when the physician shot himself here in Lockport. A simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the beast. Stories of these cajun folklore spirits originated in French culture and made their way into Louisiana folklore over time. Children can see and hear everything that happens, but they are unable to move. About four weeks ago, PB and his 5-year-old daughter were walking along their long dirt driveway that leads to their home. 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 being. 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. 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. The creature was black, hairy, and walking upright on two legs. 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. Nothing is going to hurt me. The student also stated that he did not want to alarm the creature by running off. Kliebert tried to communicate with the giant, asking who are you? The Legends Of The Rougarou In Louisiana May Send Chills Down Your Spine Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. The Rougarou (Cedar Point) roller coaster is located at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. 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. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. The commuter stated Unlike the sloth, it was man-like. Full report can be found on bfro.net Report #514. 1990-1992 (early 90s) St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. According to the woman, "The next day a prominent physician appeared in town with his right arm cut and in a sling. Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. 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. The short answer is oral tradition. I grew up that way and you would hear about strange things.. The Rougarou is also thought to be nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience. But as someone who lives in Louisiana and knows many Catholics who break Lent, I'm not so sure about this myth's validity. Since the migration, many of the legends began to change to match the times and the dialect. Like other "monsters" Loch Ness, Bigfoot the Honey Island Swamp Monster has developed an enduring legend. I'm considering creating a documentary on the legend of the Rougarou when I get some more free time in the future. If youre familiar with Louisianas history, you know voodoo is part of it. Children are told by their elders to behave or else the Rougarou will get them. Curious Louisiana answers. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. For the original report of this sighting visit bfro.net Report #2764, Late October, near Sorrento, Louisiana a commuter was heading home. There are many people in Louisiana who practice magic and wish curses upon us. Out hunting for deer, Hubert was perched atop an oak tree when he heard heavy sounds approaching from the woods behind him. After the officers spoke to the complainant they decided to do a search of the perimeter. Thanks for sharing it with us! I want more! "The swamp is often seen as a dangerous place, with dangerous animals and everything . If this witness tells anyone about this encounter within a year and a day, they will become a Rougarou themselves. The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide. That is if we are to believe that these creatures are flesh and blood biological entities. Wow, this is most definitely going to be my art project gonna be difficult but I'll get it done. He and his partner were a part of a unit in Jefferson Parish that were first responders to criminal calls, making this a most credible report. A woman reports that several nights before the actual sighting there was something rummaging around underneath ther house. The source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters. According to some other accounts, the process of transferring the curse involves the willingly human drawing the blood of the Rougarou. "Who. Legend says that the Rougarou will hunt these individuals down and suck their blood, feeding on their energy for up to 101 days. Discover Louisiana's legendary werewolf: the Rougarou. In the late summer of the early 90's (actual year up for debate), I was riding my bike. How did one Louisiana town's name get a bizarre pronunciation? I came across a LObservateur article that ran around Halloween 2002, titled: Let the haunting good times roll. The next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. Definitely a loup-garou. The student claimed it was the exact same sounds they heard during their encounter.
Don't Miss The Best Festival In Louisiana, The Rougarou Fest To kill some time before his date, Mr. Nameless decided to take an evening cruise down Peavine Road to the lake. For those of you who haven't heard th. Folklore will have us believe that a Rougarou has the opportunity to change back to a human after 101 days, but only after finding another human who is willing to have the curse transferred to them. A few seconds passes and she started to feel a fear building inside. 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. According to Native American legends, theres a creature in Terrebonne Parish that is the spirit of a child reincarnated as a beast. The creature continued on as it reached a woody marsh area near a canal then disappeared. There also exist more supernatural explanations for the origins of the Rougarou.
The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Louisiana Swamp Will Give You 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. 9 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Cauchemar, 6 Exercises You Can Do with a Resistance Band, 4 Southern Traditions You Should Know About. Their full transformation into their Rougarou form would be completed once they had their first bite of human flesh. Dont believe us? A large dark figure on two legs crossed the road. Lurking in the woods and wetlands of southern Louisiana, according to Cajun legend, theres a ferocious monster that attacks the wayward and the wanderer. The student would take evening walks while saying the rosary. Back in the thick, fog-covered swamplands is where youll find the true beauty of Louisiana and perhaps even a monster or twoincluding the legendary beast called the Rougarou. Its popularity has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it. Once the human is cursed, it is permanent. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. Their friendly, but often sinister, nature makes these Cajun fairies some of the most dangerous Louisiana monsters. The K-9 unit lost the scent once it ran into the marsh.
one football field of coastline was lost per hour. There is also a Native American story of the "Rugaru." 51.
10 Creepy Facts and Legends about New Orleans - Hotels Lover of writing, learning and teaching others about new things. He might even be neighbors with the Honey Island Swamp Monster, which is also known as Louisianas bigfoot of the swamp.. It's got to be the Rougarou, the infamous werewolf of the bayou.
What is a Rougarou, Exactly? - CryptoVille Address: Rougarou Fest, 7910 W Park Ave, Houma, LA 70364, USA. Remnants of history freckle the map, whether its old and potentially haunted buildings, abandoned theme parks or even museums with some very strange collections. One of the most compelling reports occurred in Marrero, LA circa 1970. Why do Bud's Broiler's burger prices conflict? Registration begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, and the contest begins at 4 p.m. Talk of the monster, of course, is also a staple of some of the swamp tours operating in the area. The creature ran two city blocks before absconding into the marsh. These canine-humanoid shapeshifters travel between worlds using magical doors. The rougarou once served to scare adults into being good Catholics, and children into staying home after dark, Rabalais says, adding, Now there are other things to be scared of, like rising water levels and hurricanes.. 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. Official Blog of Pelican State Credit Union. 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. 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.
It's okay, because we're here to bust them! 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. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf. Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. 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. 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. A 9ft tall man with a black beard and what appeared to be a cloak of brown fur hanging from his neck by a rope. In the same story from The Nicholls Worth, the author, Brandon Folse, heavily quotes Patricia Perrin, a retired English instructor and folklore specialist. 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. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. I need to do some more research on those spirits! Most Christians believe any spirit that is not a holy one is a demonic spirit. Theyre not trying to eat you, Ancelet says. Hi, I live in Terrebonne Parish near swampy land that was formerly called Devils Swamp. The rougarou is like our Smokey the Bear, says Foret. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. The commuter stated that the headlights of his car shined directly onto the creature so they got a pretty good look at it. "I think it's fascinating,'' said Brettel. Witches?Witch doctors! Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a Voodoo priestess. It happened to three of us on Texas river,not sure if it was real or not ,but what we heard was not native to Texas . Even if I didnt believe his story, I believe his demeanor when recounting it. The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover. Sorcery is everywhere, and after repeated viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what were dealing with.
Have you been told a different story about the Rougarou? Werewolves have transformed, too, and not just into the Teen Wolf tv show and movie. According to Cajun folklore, the monster is said to inhabit the swamps and sugar cane fields around the Acadiana and Greater New Orleans regions. Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco, Monster of the Month: The Hopkinsville Goblins, Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva, Reading the Urban Landscape With Annie Novak, How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, Indigenous Desserts of Turtle Island With Mariah Gladstone, University of Massachusetts Entomology Collection, The Frozen Banana Stands of Balboa Island, The Paratethys Sea Was the Largest Lake in Earths History, How Communities Are Uncovering Untold Black Histories, The Medieval Thieves Who Used Cats, Apes, and Turtles as Accomplices, The Haunting True Story of Bridget Clearys Changeling Murder, Beware Montanas Shunka Warakin, the 'Rocky Mountain Hyena', Beware the Wendigo, the Frostbitten Flesheater of North Americas Chilly Heartland, Beware the Skinwalkers, Werewolf Witches of the American Southwest, Beware the Thunderbird, Badass Cryptid of the Skies, Show & Tell With Antiquarian Horologist Nico Cox, How Singapore's Haw Par Villa Brings Hell to Life, This Once-Thriving Hotel Couldn't Compete With Climate Change. The Rougarou is an important figure in Cajun legends. For instance, in 2015, the floorless roller coaster Mantis was renamed Rougarou. 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.
Legend of the Rougarou, a Louisiana werewolf - Paranormal Outlaw For more information, visit the Rougarou Fest website, and don't forget to give them a follow on Facebook so you don't miss out on any announcements. The concepts surrounding the Rougarous supernatural abilities link it closely with traditional concepts of the mythical werewolf. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. A story in The Daily Comet titled "Tales of The Rougarou Still Haunt Local Memories" states, "In the past, rumors about strange or eccentric neighbors would float through small bayou communities, labeling various people as the dreaded Rougarou." Driving west on Airline Hwy. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. Outside of Louisiana, the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio has a rollercoaster named Rougarou. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. 7910 park ave houma, la (985) 580-7289 . No matter how you spell it, the Rougarou, Roux-Ga-Roux, Rugaroo, Rugaru, or Loup Garou is a werewolf type creature living in the folklore of Cajun French Louisiana. When they were choosing the new name, one of the trademarks filed for was the name the New Orleans Rougarou. The monster has its own Wikipedia pageand has been the source of numerous news stories and documentaries. 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. Stumbling upon the LObservateur article reignited my borderline obsessive interest in these types of creature sightings. But you should 100% be on the lookout for alligators if you find yourself in the swamps at night. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. 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. There wasnt much to his story, but the seriousness of his delivery, and the apparent reluctance to tell me, gave his words credence. The Rougarou of the Bayou Louisiana is a fascinating place whose history is rich with legends from long ago. There was a problem saving your notification. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. 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. In closing Ive always considered Yeti to be more of a possibility than a werewolf. He flagged me down to speak with me. A woman named Barbara Mullins discovered a supposedly unidentifiable carcass on the side of the road in 1996. Curious Louisiana explains it's not all random. by Joel Balsam October 19, 2022. 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. 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. 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. After being spotted, the creature ran between two houses then continued to the street when it passed under a streetlight. Full report can be found on bfro.net Report # 56107. For instance, instead of labourer, meaning to plow, sometimes youll hear Cajuns say rabourer.
If your keys go missing without explanation, it could be a Lutin!
Rougarou - Wikipedia What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. The sound of human cries in the woods is a theme directly from faire lore. Makes that morning commute not seem so bad, right? This terrifying creature has evolved over millenniabut never lost the need to feed. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. 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. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. 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. I think its fascinating,'' said Brettel. Stories of cajun folklore monsters have been passed down for decadescenturies even. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A version from the 16th century paints it as being seen as something similar to a genetic disorder, rather than the curse most other versions of the myth portray the Rougarou as being. The question nagged him into adulthood. 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.
Louisiana Werewolf: Rougarou of the Bayou - Exemplore 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. He hides in tall grass near Grunch Road in New Orleans, LA, waiting to prey on teens who park there. What is the Rougarou? The Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of many as to how popular the folklore surrounding the beast truly is. Its too late to turn back! However, according to other accounts, there is no escape from the curse. When many of the French migrated to Canada and the southern United States, they took the legend of the loup-garou with them. Oh wow that sounds like an interested read, Bill! He told me it made no since for someone to be crossing the road at that point. 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. These loup-garous became a fear for many people in the country, leading to them earning their place in legends passed down to children. 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. . However, due to its incredibly poor math skills, the beast can only count to 12. The lady said, "The next day, a distinguished physician arrived in town with his right arm bandaged and cut. It will begin to recount the pennies, continuously perplexed as it encounters the number 13, until sunrise.
The Most Haunted Louisiana Road: Bayou Sale Road A human would have a substantial amount of trouble walking through the terrain.