There are many people in Louisiana who practice magic and wish curses upon us. French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the beast to Louisiana. Strange noise ? For instance, instead of labourer, meaning to plow, sometimes youll hear Cajuns say rabourer. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Talk of the monster, of course, is also a staple of some of the swamp tours operating in the area. The Rougarou has even been made into an action figure, part of a series that also features Sasquatch and the Yeti. The story of the Letieche is Louisianas Jungle Book. In closing Ive always considered Yeti to be more of a possibility than a werewolf. A large dark figure on two legs crossed the road. 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. Let us know in the comments below! Like other "monsters" Loch Ness, Bigfoot the Honey Island Swamp Monster has developed an enduring legend. People say, behind the disguises, theyre really the spirits of babies who died before baptism. Near Avenue A around 9pm, He arrived at the scene and spoke to the lady that called it in. What is the Rougarou? In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. At the time of the encounter the officer had no working knowledge of Bigfoot or sasquatch, but having a degree in anthropology left no doubt in the officers mind what he saw was most defiantly not a large, naked, human being. Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. The story was born in France in medieval times, when they actually believed in werewolves. Have you been told a different story about the Rougarou? The Rougarou: Louisiana's Cajun Werewolf - Exemplore 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. What is a Rougarou, Exactly? - CryptoVille 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. A woman named Barbara Mullins discovered a supposedly unidentifiable carcass on the side of the road in 1996. The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. Have you ever heard of the Rougarou or another scary Louisiana monster before? Personally, Id never hear about something terrible and say, Yep, thats definitely the work of a werewolf. 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. Well, the rougarou of the Bayou country has a pretty strong link to the werewolf of ancient times in Europe and France. It was late in the evening and getting dark, so they could not see into the bush. They look for blood donors who are willing to sell them blood, and yes, they drink it. 1989 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. [12] If you have lived in Louisiana, there is a significant chance you have heard the lore of the Rougarou (also spelled as Rouxgaroux). Loup-garou. Recently I saw a picture of a bear with severe mange which looked like how people describe werewolves and rougarous. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. At the annual October events rougarou costume contest, the fests mascot is reimagined hundreds of different ways, including as an eco-activist. Apparently that was a thing they did back then. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. Their full transformation into their Rougarou form would be completed once they had their first bite of human flesh. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. The only way to arrive at the truth is to keep your mind open to weirdness. These Louisiana monsters claim they feel lethargic and drained if they dont get the proper serving size of blood in on the regular. Wow, this is most definitely going to be my art project gonna be difficult but I'll get it done. Case closed. This was one interesting problem that they had to deal with centuries ago. 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. 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. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. 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. 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. He has the body of a man, head of a werewolf, and sharp teeth that can seamlessly tear through flesh. Your email address will not be published. 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 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. Kliebert was stunned when he saw this giant approaching him. 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. And above all else, remember thisdont go into the swamps alone! Another Louisiana swamp creature that seems rooted in lore is none other than the Rougarou, which is basically a Cajun version of the werewolf. Since the migration, many of the legends began to change to match the times and the dialect. I suppose anything is possible, and while the Bigfoot sighting phenomena originated in the Pacific Northwest, it seems more than plausible that such a creature could exist here. Lapin, the trickster rabbit rooted in African folklore traditions that were brought to Louisiana by enslaved people, has also seen a transformation. I need to do some more research on those spirits! Legend of the Rougarou: Louisiana's Werewolf 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. They take up residence in your home and play harmless tricks on you, so you shouldnt be too alarmed. Sam and Dean had a struggle with this one. Numerous ghost sightings have been reported over the years, making it one of the most haunted landmarks in the USA. Kliebert tried to communicate with the giant, asking who are you? But as with all great monsters, certifiable proof has been elusive. Louisiana is a lovely place to visit. Considering how many hunters love senselessly killing wild boars, we really cant blame the swamp monster. If this witness tells anyone about this encounter within a year and a day, they will become a Rougarou themselves. 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. 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. 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. Did your house get ransacked during the night? Other more out there schools of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a different origin, Alien, Spirit, even faerie. 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. Over the last century, hurricanes, sea level rise, and problematic development projects, such as damming the Mississippi River, have caused Louisiana to lose more than 2,000 square miles of land. And we value equal representation for allso they deserve a spot on our list of the scariest Louisiana monsters! Glad the information was here. 1983 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Where can you find a Rougarou? A close friend of the family who was on his way to pick up his girlfriend, she lived down the street from my dad. The man heard a noise behind him; he turned around and witnessed two large, red eyes staring back at him. Be careful, because Louisiana monsters are all over! Two dead squirrels and a dead rabbit were found under the house where the creature had been rummaging. 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. The sounds grew faint as the creature traveled deeper into the woods until they faded completely. Today, theyre suave and sexy, thanks in part to pop culture hits such as Interview with the Vampire, Twilight, and True Blood. 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 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. 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. For the sake of anonymity this family friend will remain nameless, so I will refer to him as Mr. Nameless. The New Orleans Pelicans, Louisiana's NBA team, were formerly known as the Hornets. However, according to other accounts, there is no escape from the curse. The commuter stated Unlike the sloth, it was man-like. Full report can be found on bfro.net Report #514. Legend of the Rougarou, a Louisiana werewolf - The Daily Advertiser We know what you are probably thinking. Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. 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. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf. Legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from society in the woods just outside of New Orleans. No purchase necessary. 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. The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Louisiana Swamp Will Give You It was eventually through the Cajun French that the name Rougarou came to be. According to some other accounts, the process of transferring the curse involves the willingly human drawing the blood of the Rougarou. I spent a couple summers in Sabine Parish out on North Fort Fort Polk on a tract of ground called Peason Ridge(Little Nam). Cajun legend says that the beast hunts down Catholics who dont follow the rules of Lent, which is similar to the telling of the old French stories. Bears can stand up and run on their hind legs, whereas, wolves cannot. Your email address will not be published. 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. Email Joni Hess at joni.hess@theadvocate.com. Honey Island Swamp Monster The seminary student had the urge to run back to the monastery to tell someone but a thought emerged NO. 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. "The swamp is often seen as a dangerous place, with dangerous animals and everything . Frogs croak their songs in the distance and mosquitos buzz as they fly around looking for their next meal. I want more! However embracing legends, customs and tradition is the very foundation of culture. Witches?Witch doctors! The giant was walking westerly at a quick pace with a sorrowful but purposeful look. The source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters. Then my son started asking me about the rougarou legend and I was like a wha t? Curious Louisiana answers. In this article, were going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters from folklore and legends. The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover According to these legends, the Rougarou when it comes across the pennies will begin to count them. 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. Even the act of self-defense could be life-altering. Tell your version of this mythical creature in Louisiana in the comments below! Required fields are marked *. 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. How did one Louisiana town's name get a bizarre pronunciation? The two children ran the entire way home, about of a mile. Wow, thank you for that insight! Outside of Louisiana, the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio has a rollercoaster named Rougarou. Is one of these crafty cryptids on display in a small museum? Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. Even today he refuses to let anyone see it.". Louisiana Urban Legends, Monsters, and Haunted Places Get monthly email updates and the chance to win a prize. 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. One recent supposed sighting came from a woman in Harvey, Louisiana, who claimed she saw a Grunch eating one of her neighbor's dogs. 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). Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou | PeachTown Like the childhood game of telephone, the story morphs over the years as it gets passed down from generation to generation. There were no apparent wounds or blood, but the fresh carcass looked like it had been battered and crushed. She finally located the purse she grabbed it and quickly ran inside the house. The Rougarou is an important figure in Cajun legends. The rougarou is like our Smokey the Bear, says Foret. At this point, the beast is forced to retreat as its human form begins to resurface. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. Lover of all things comedy, photography, and travel related. Louisiana has the most unique culture Ive discovered in the US and thats saying something being a native of Appalachia. 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. Great words, you could make a short story out of that Peason Ridge setting! While most likely these stories are cautionary tales meant to keep kids from wandering into dangerous situations, it does make you think! The monster has its own Wikipedia pageand has been the source of numerous news stories and documentaries. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. Out hunting for deer, Hubert was perched atop an oak tree when he heard heavy sounds approaching from the woods behind him. The sounds stopped just before it would have broke the tree line and became visible. The officer that submitted this report has over 40 years in military and law enforcement, a degree in Anthropology, and self educated in Darwinism, math and quantum physics. Rougarou Sightings According to a lady from Louisiana, a local child was being chased by a dog when he decided to cut it with his pocketknife. According to Native American legends, theres a creature in Terrebonne Parish that is the spirit of a child reincarnated as a beast. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. For centuries, if you didnt follow Catholic traditions, such as observing Lent, or if you hunted on holy days, the rougarou would get you. Catholics are told it will hunt down and kill them if they don't obey Lent. 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." Aside from snakes and alligators, there are lots of predators and other scary things living there. The 2015 short film Atchafalaya centers around a game warden searching in a Louisiana swamp for a missing person who is hinted to have been taken by a loup-garou. The next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. "I think that there's magic in the swamps that's celebrated at Rougarou," Foret says. 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. 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. An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. The Rougarou, or as others may say, Loup garou, is a bayou-dwelling werewolf. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 9 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Cauchemar, Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts in 2021. And then I realized that is what I saw! 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. Rougarou - Wikipedia The officer reported that the creature crossed a 22 foot wide street in three strides. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. People claim he leaves behind webbed footprints (presumably to navigate the swamps effectively) and mutilates wild boars. Official Post from Deborah Hatswell BBR Being Believed Research & Investigation The man dropped his gun and ran. 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. Long, thin arm attached to a 6 to 7 foot frame. Once the cousin jumped back on they yelled GO! They did not look back after that. Dont believe us? 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. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The student waited 5 more minutes to see if the sounds would return but the encounter was over. 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. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. [10] [11] Boxer Regis Prograis (of Creole descent) goes by the nickname Rougarou. The story of the Rougarou (the Louisiana swamp monster) is not a new tale to anyone that lives or grew up in Louisiana. Stories of cajun folklore monsters have been passed down for decadescenturies even. The Legends Of This Mythical Creature In Louisiana Are Terrifying