Jerry Major's Curious Louisiana question is more than an inquiry about a pronunciation. Louisiana has a Nightmare on Bourbon Street situation going on that some arent aware of. 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. 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. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. Where can you find a Rougarou? A quick browse and youll find many pictures of the Rougarou. No, you dont become a Rougarou from a bite or scratch, or from losing a bet. Their body would then undergo a transformation, and they would develop a craving for meat. Full report can be found at http://www.gcbro.com/LAlivingston0001.html. You interact with them, theyre dancing and theyre nice. When they reached the paved section of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male Bobcat laying along the edge. He checked out the deer kept driving and turned around at the lake headed back towards Hwy. 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. Once turned around, the cousin looked back and observed the creature now walking in the middle of the road and at a quicker pace toward the children. Their friendly, but often sinister, nature makes these Cajun fairies some of the most dangerous Louisiana monsters. Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of it. Their full transformation into their Rougarou form would be completed once they had their first bite of human flesh. 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. Oh wow that sounds like an interested read, Bill! In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. 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. Its fingernails are grisly claws. There has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends. Not in the Pacific Northwest, but right there in Laplace! For instance, there is a legend that says placing 13 pennies at entrances you wish to protect is the way to go. She describes the Rougarou as "an important identification marker for South Louisiana's culture." Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence in local culture and beyond. There are documentaries about this you can easily find on YouTube. The question nagged him into adulthood. Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw, but I was convinced. 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. Nope, not The GrinchThe Grunch. As outlandish as that sounds some of the very details in this essay support that. Audobon's website also has Rougarou t-shirts for sale. 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. "I think that there's magic in the swamps that's celebrated at Rougarou," Foret says. He flagged me down to speak with me. 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. Overall, Weve seen the evolution of the werewolf become a more sophisticated, debonair character, Ancelet says. Were you told the story of the Rougarou as . And above all else, remember thisdont go into the swamps alone! 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 ---- The Louisiana Swamp Monster - YouTube Your email address will not be published. The Rougarou, or as others may say, Loup garou, is a bayou-dwelling werewolf. Your email address will not be published. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Its essentially a werewolf with a cajun spin on it. Don't Miss The Best Festival In Louisiana, The Rougarou Fest 4 Unique Tales of the Rougarou from Southern Louisiana - OnlyInYourState Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. The only way to arrive at the truth is to keep your mind open to weirdness. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. 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 we value equal representation for allso they deserve a spot on our list of the scariest Louisiana monsters! Generations of youngsters have heard the scary tales. 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. It was near 2am and both parties were hesitant to walk to the car to retrieve the purse. Your email address will not be published. Terrebonne Parish resident Jonathan Foret was a type of kids. No one agrees what it looks like because they dont really have wolves in this part of our country, says Nathan J. Rabalais, author of Folklore Figures of French and Creole Louisiana. The brave friend dismissed what she saw for a moment and continued to search for the purse in the dark. According to Native American legends, theres a creature in Terrebonne Parish that is the spirit of a child reincarnated as a beast. Apparently that was a thing they did back then. 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. The student waited 5 more minutes to see if the sounds would return but the encounter was over. If you dont have the stomach to fight the beast, you can protect yourself through other means. 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. I am using it as research for a short story that I am wtiting. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Had me captured. 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. In the article, we will attempt to answer these questions and more. Despite being a monster of legends, just like its cousin the werewolf, the Rougarou has its weakness. Get monthly email updates and the chance to win a prize. The Grunch: A Chupacabra on the Louisiana Bayou - Exemplore I believe that people are seeing these poor mangy bears instead of werewolves. As it gets to 13, it becomes confused. . Usually theyd find someone in the woods or someone in the village who was just acting strange.. Children can see and hear everything that happens, but they are unable to move. And, if you know anything about sleep paralysis, you may have seen the culprit himself! Once the cousin jumped back on they yelled GO! They did not look back after that. Local sanitation workers have supposedly reported seeing them raiding garbage cans or chasing trucks. 1990-1992 (early 90s) St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Beasts called loup-garous, which means werewolves in French, were also infamous throughout the country. Described as looking like a sloth, the creature was covered in a light grey hair, had a small round head and a brown nose. A year later the boy killed himself and left a letter that the family turned over to the sheriff. 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. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. 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. Be careful, because Louisiana monsters are all over! When faced with a supernatural beast that has superhuman strength, speed, and sharp claws and teeth, chances are you wouldnt be feeling very lucky. 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. 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. Generations of children have heard the scary. Im not making this up. I realized that parts of our folklore and our oral traditions were getting lost, he says. This is similar to that of a traditional werewolf, however, unlike a werewolf, the Rougarou during the day appears weak, sickly, and vulnerable. How safe are you from this magnificent monster? The jury is still out on this one, because people cant seem to figure out exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason! 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. Curious Louisiana answers. Curious Louisiana explains it's not all random. Definitely a loup-garou. 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. French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the beast to Louisiana. It stands upright on two legs, and is covered in hair. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. 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. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Back in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes on loup-garous. In 1974, Ford, a wildlife photographer and former air traffic controller, claimed to have witnessed the creature while exploring potential hunting grounds. A human would have a substantial amount of trouble walking through the terrain. The New Orleans Pelicans, Louisiana's NBA team, were formerly known as the Hornets. The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill. While you're in Houma, don't forget to stop by A-Bear's, home to some of the most delicious homemade desserts in Louisiana. In closing Ive always considered Yeti to be more of a possibility than a werewolf. It had a face like a man and the body of an animal, said Herman Broom. Kliebert was stunned when he saw this giant approaching him. When the child saw the dog transform into a man, he dashed home to tell his family. What I saw scared the life out of me. 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. Is there really a Honey Island Swamp Monster, Louisiana's Bigfoot? Outside of the infamous Honey Island Swamp Monster, there were not many stories that I found in my preliminary search. This continued for 15 minutes until the sound started to travel away. "I heard the story from veteran hunters. Like other "monsters" Loch Ness, Bigfoot the Honey Island Swamp Monster has developed an enduring legend. Recently I saw a picture of a bear with severe mange which looked like how people describe werewolves and rougarous. 22. All rights reserved. A spell that as you will soon find out is not that easy to break. According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. While most likely these stories are cautionary tales meant to keep kids from wandering into dangerous situations, it does make you think! This is why I always read terms and conditions. The friend described a chilling encounter one warm morning. This will perplex it, and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it must flee. 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. Its incredible that I actually witnessed one and I do believe thats the only thing it couldve been. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf. My Encounter With a Rougarou "aka Louisiana Werewolf" : cryptids - reddit 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. Out hunting for deer, Hubert was perched atop an oak tree when he heard heavy sounds approaching from the woods behind him. Were not afraid. The Legends Of This Mythical Creature In Louisiana Are Terrifying One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Countrys answer to Bigfoot. Over the years there have been many different stories about this mythical creature in Louisiana, a common occurrence with oral traditions like this one. The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide, US Ghost Adventures New Orleans Ghosts Review. 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. Curious Louisiana answers. It now craves human flesh and overturns small boats to devour and feast! If you thought voodoo was a thing of the past, think again! Here's what health officials, restaurants say. Every year in October, there is a festival held in downtown Houma called the Rougarou Fest. The Rougarou Fest Is The Spookiest Festival In Louisiana - OnlyInYourState The story of the Letieche is Louisianas Jungle Book. 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. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Before we get too far into an explanation let's first say it correctly, the proper pronunciation is, "Roo-Ga-Roo.". Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The Cajuns (also known as Acadians) are an ethnic group that makes up a significant portion of south Louisianas population. Wow, thank you for that insight! Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Creole. Bears can stand up and run on their hind legs, whereas, wolves cannot. Did your house get ransacked during the night? The rougarou is like our Smokey the Bear, says Foret. The concepts surrounding the Rougarous supernatural abilities link it closely with traditional concepts of the mythical werewolf. Hi, I live in Terrebonne Parish near swampy land that was formerly called Devils Swamp. 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. 1983 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. In this article, were going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters from folklore and legends. The Rougarou is an important figure in Cajun legends. Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. The creature stood upright on two legs. However, due to its incredibly poor math skills, the beast can only count to 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. A woman reports that several nights before the actual sighting there was something rummaging around underneath ther house. all proceeds from rougarou fest go to the south louisiana wetlands discovery center click here to learn more. For centuries, if you didnt follow Catholic traditions, such as observing Lent, or if you hunted on holy days, the rougarou would get you. Last but not least, the pinnacle of mythology in the bayou state and kingpin of all Louisiana monsters the Rougarou. And then I realized that is what I saw! Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. 10 Creepy Facts and Legends about New Orleans - Hotels Nothing is going to hurt me. The student also stated that he did not want to alarm the creature by running off. Often the story of the Rougarou has been used to instill fear in the hearts of Cajun children as a way to command obedience. Official Blog of Pelican State Credit Union. The plantation's most popular (and yet to be debunked) encounter is the apparition of a young . [10] [11] Boxer Regis Prograis (of Creole descent) goes by the nickname Rougarou. In a 2008 Fox News special,people claimed they'd seen the beast. That festival is cool because it links folklore to current issues and things that people need to be aware of, Rabalais says. The bright lights of the stars flicker in the murky licks of the waves near the towering, ominous Cypress trees. According to folklore, a Rougarou is a human that has been placed under a spell. 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. But you should 100% be on the lookout for alligators if you find yourself in the swamps at night. He slowed down when he saw it because he got the impression that this was not a man. The article reported the murder of a man killed because his whiskey was too good and too profitable. This was a deep dense pine forest with rolling Knolls and the occasion small marsh(bayou). That is if we are to believe that these creatures are flesh and blood biological entities. 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. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. These Louisiana monsters claim they feel lethargic and drained if they dont get the proper serving size of blood in on the regular. If youre familiar with Louisianas history, you know voodoo is part of it. Its a hybrid mixture of escaped circus chimpanzees and alligators which now live in the swamps of St. Tammany Parish. Its true! Stumbling upon the LObservateur article reignited my borderline obsessive interest in these types of creature sightings. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. In one version, the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent. The hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. The sound of human cries in the woods is a theme directly from faire lore. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. Lapin, the trickster rabbit rooted in African folklore traditions that were brought to Louisiana by enslaved people, has also seen a transformation. Talk of the monster, of course, is also a staple of some of the swamp tours operating in the area. The creature in question was described by the officer as being an eight foot talk, bipedal hominid, dark hair (not fur), and massively build. Most Christians believe any spirit that is not a holy one is a demonic spirit. There's more to this 19th-century crime than the dark side of fairy lore. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. 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. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. Standing on two legs on top of a fallen, moss-covered tree is a large, snarling beast. "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. The different versions of the Rougarou beast are as many as reported sightings of the beast. Outside of Louisiana, the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio has a rollercoaster named Rougarou. When French settlers came to Louisiana, the story came with them. 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. 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. Sightings have given rise to a number of stories describing creepy things that hide in the dark and dont play nice. The beast is also a hit in pop culture here in Louisiana. The officer reported that the creature crossed a 22 foot wide street in three strides. According to these legends, the Rougarou when it comes across the pennies will begin to count them. The story was born in France in medieval times, when they actually believed in werewolves. 9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails - YouTube 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. Registration begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, and the contest begins at 4 p.m.