She finally located the purse she grabbed it and quickly ran inside the house. Deep throughout the swamps of south Louisiana, legend has it, there lives the Rougarou a legendary werewolf type creature with sharp 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. Years later, as a middle school teacher, hed mention the beast to his students only to learn theyd never heard of it. Not in the Pacific Northwest, but right there in Laplace! Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. What he told me next has stuck in my memory, and was the spark that lit the flame regarding personal interest I took in all things weird, and strange. In this article, were going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters from folklore and legends. This continued for 15 minutes until the sound started to travel away. The jury is still out on this one, because people cant seem to figure out exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason! Near Avenue A around 9pm, He arrived at the scene and spoke to the lady that called it in. 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. 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. Could these sightings be and unknown species of hominid living for the most part, undetected in the southeast Louisiana wilderness? The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. Acadiana. rougarou sightings in louisiana. karen rietz baldwin; hidden valley high school yearbook. Victoria. Back in the day of armor, swords and jousting, there was a lot more to fear than the plague and witches. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. The basic tale of Rougarou is one of a half man, half wolf that prowls the Louisiana swamps, looking for Catholics that have broken Lent or broken Catholic rules in other ways. 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. 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. 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. The Rougarou is also thought to be nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience. Generations of youngsters have heard the scary tales. If you dont have the stomach to fight the beast, you can protect yourself through other means. [7] The man heard a noise behind him; he turned around and witnessed two large, red eyes staring back at him. Your email address will not be published. Heed our warning and be on the look out for cajun folklore monsters when youre roaming the wildest parts of the bayou state. Rougarou. This special character in Cajun folklore got his name from a version of the French word for werewolf, loupgarou. When they were choosing the new name, one of the trademarks filed for was the name the New Orleans Rougarou. Dec. 20, 2016 - The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has confirmed photographic evidence of a cougar sighting in northeast Louisiana on Nov. 23.An LDWF biologist conducted a site investigation that confirmed the authenticity of a trail camera picture submitted to the department. The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. Some versions of the myth involve witchcraft, wherein a witch has the ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou. The Cajuns (also known as Acadians) are an ethnic group that makes up a significant portion of south Louisianas population. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Your email address will not be published. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). 7910 park ave houma, la (985) 580-7289 . We know what you are probably thinking. They are a defining characteristic of Louisiana culture and make the state a truly unique place to live. At this point, the beast is forced to retreat as its human form begins to resurface. I was compelled to dig in further to see if I could find more sighting reports in the Southeast Louisiana area, if only to substantiate these other reports. In the late summer of the early 90's (actual year up for debate), I was riding my bike. Such monster makeovers are common. Louisiana monsters have been the subject of controversy for years. By the end, youll know the scariest rumors circulating in cajun land. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. Buy Tickets. Rougarou announce 2023 TCL schedule. Often the story of the Rougarou has been used to instill fear in the hearts of Cajun children as a way to command obedience. The Legend of the Louisiana Swamp Werewolf Known as the Rougarou, or sometimes as the Loup-Garou This Legend is said that the creature has prowled for hundreds of years in the swamps Show more. However, according to other accounts, there is no escape from the curse. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. Let us know in the comments below! Past participants have described the festival as fun, and until COVID it had managed to attract a decent crowd each year. When they got to the spot they noticed the earth and surrounding plant life was disturbed like something big frequently passed there, a game trail of sorts. The rougarou is like our Smokey the Bear, says Foret. Loup-garou. The French actually have a similar story of the Loup-garou. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. 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. Children can see and hear everything that happens, but they are unable to move. 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. 9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails Darkness Prevails 631K subscribers Subscribe 4.7K 136K views 3 years ago It's like a real life werewolf, but worse. Nope, not The GrinchThe Grunch. There also exist more supernatural explanations for the origins of the Rougarou. For this reason the Rougarou has been dubbed the Swamp Monster by . The name Rougarou (Loup-Garou) is a French term meaning warewolf. When they reached the paved section of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male Bobcat laying along the edge. All rights reserved. Full report can be found at http://www.gcbro.com/LAlivingston0001.html. The full moon hangs high over the Louisiana swampland. And speaking of scaring Catholics, one French Catholic myth claims that in order for someone to turn into a Rougarou, they must break Lent seven years in a row. In France during the 16th century, they used to blame various crimes that were committed throughout the villages on the Loup-Garou. Definitely a loup-garou. I tend to lean more on the flesh and blood theory but I think it is important to keep all possibilities in play. Today, theyre suave and sexy, thanks in part to pop culture hits such as Interview with the Vampire, Twilight, and True Blood. Generations of children have heard the scary. After the Cajun people migrated to Nova . 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. Turns out voodoo is still in. by Joel Balsam October 19, 2022. If you thought voodoo was a thing of the past, think again! French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the beast to Louisiana. How does it differ from a traditional werewolf? These loup-garous became a fear for many people in the country, leading to them earning their place in legends passed down to children. 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 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. Sometimes I mix all of these subjects together. Whereas the loup-garou in France roamed the forest looking for children, the rougarou of Southern Louisiana lurks about the Bayou looking for prey. In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. He checked out the deer kept driving and turned around at the lake headed back towards Hwy. Get more stories delivered right to your email. If you have lived in Louisiana, there is a significant chance you have heard the lore of the Rougarou (also spelled as Rouxgaroux). The Legends Of The Rougarou In Louisiana May Send Chills Down Your Spine Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. 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. A Police officer and his partner, responding to a neighborhood prowler call. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. Described as looking like a sloth, the creature was covered in a light grey hair, had a small round head and a brown nose. After being spotted, the creature ran between two houses then continued to the street when it passed under a streetlight. They had no clue to what creature could make such a sound. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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.. 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. She witnessed someone slinking around her property. Considering how many hunters love senselessly killing wild boars, we really cant blame the swamp monster. We can only hope Ruston, LA never decides to build a Grunch Road. In another variation of the story, the half man half wolf monster targets and kills Catholics that have failed to follow the rules of Lent. 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). He sees it as an example of the way cryptids evolve alongside the cultures that created them. The woman also reported finding hair all over the yard front steps, and porch. The publication of any and all content e.g., articles, reports, editorials, commentary, opinions, as well as graphics and or images on this web-site does not constitute sanction or acquiescence of said content unless specified; it is solely for informational purposes. Click the image below to read our free eBook "The Big Book of Credit Union MythsBUSTED! You understand that all Content posted on, transmitted through, or linked from the Phantoms and Monsters Site, are the sole responsibility of the person from whom such Content originated. Rougarou custom jerseys on sale now! Usually theyd find someone in the woods or someone in the village who was just acting strange.. Every year in October, there is a festival held in downtown Houma called the Rougarou Fest. We do have water spirits, such as Leviathan, a giant alligator spirit, who is actually mentioned in the Bible. This unique festival is a great way to celebrate the folklore of the Southern Louisiana swamps, as well as celebrate the unique environmental heritage there. The story of the Rougarou supposedly changed once French immigrantsor possibly also French-Canadian immigrantscame to live in the area that is now Louisiana. 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. Your email address will not be published. Sorcery is everywhere, and after repeated viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what were dealing with. Pale Gray Humanoid Haunts Teens in Old Country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. Beasts called loup-garous, which means werewolves in French, were also infamous throughout the country. Apparently, when a person changes into a Rougarou they forget how to count past 12 (probably since they only worry about midnight and the moon at this point). Lover of all things comedy, photography, and travel related. 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. Some sources claim the myth originated in medieval France, when belief in werewolves would have been far more prevalent. You are responsible for all Content that you post, email or otherwise make available via the Phantoms and Monsters Site. It now craves human flesh and overturns small boats to devour and feast! Even if I didnt believe his story, I believe his demeanor when recounting it. Your email address will not be published. Get monthly email updates and the chance to win a prize. When faced with a supernatural beast that has superhuman strength, speed, and sharp claws and teeth, chances are you wouldnt be feeling very lucky. Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Creole. 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. By clicking "Accept," you agree to the use of cookies on Pelican State of Mind. 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. The brave friend dismissed what she saw for a moment and continued to search for the purse in the dark. This way, his spell was broken, making him able to turn back into human form. Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco, Monster of the Month: The Hopkinsville Goblins, How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head, Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcn, Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva, Reading the Urban Landscape With Annie Novak, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, Secret Nun Cookies at Monasterio del Corpus Christi, Wonder Is Everywhere: Civil War Gold, a New Moai, and More From Around the Web, The Woman Preserving the Endangered Cuisine of Indian Jews, How a Lone Researcher Faced Down Millions of Army Ants on the March in Ecuador, 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. Enjoy these allegedly. Thank you! At the annual October events rougarou costume contest, the fests mascot is reimagined hundreds of different ways, including as an eco-activist. As the name implies, it pays homage to the legendary beast. For instance, instead of labourer, meaning to plow, sometimes youll hear Cajuns say rabourer. Let us know! According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide, US Ghost Adventures New Orleans Ghosts Review. It throws its head back, letting out a blood-curdling howl to the moon. Deep in the rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night. 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 Louisiana werewolf is the rougarou of the bayoua very similar-looking creature. Other more out there schools of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a different origin, Alien, Spirit, even faerie. When not writing about all the amazing things to be found in her state, her central passion is dreams and the wisdom they can offer, which you can learn more about by visiting KeziaVida.com, 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, This Enchanting And Historic Town In Louisiana Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, Best Hotels & Resorts in Louisiana: 12 Amazing Places to Stay, Theres Something Truly Unique About This Mom & Pop Truck Stop in Louisiana, 7 Folktales, Legends, and Superstitions Every Louisianian Has Heard At Least Once, The Spooky Legend Behind This Louisiana House Will Keep You Up At Night, 7 Creepy Louisiana Ghost Stories That Will Make You Sleep With The Lights On. This will perplex it, and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it must flee. I heard sounds Ive never heard and smells Id never smelled but never spied anything. The dark figure crossed the road from the passenger side to the driver side, so it was traveling due south when it crossed the road. If youre familiar with Louisianas history, you know voodoo is part of it. The seminary student stood still, they got the impression that the source of the noise was moving along a path in the woods and getting closer. A woman named Barbara Mullins discovered a supposedly unidentifiable carcass on the side of the road in 1996. Required fields are marked *. 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. The two young women decided they would go to the car together. The article does not specify if this happened in the same area that he and his friend found the large footprints. Be careful, because Louisiana monsters are all over! During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. all proceeds from rougarou fest go to the south louisiana wetlands discovery center click here to learn more. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. Them the legend of the US Copyright Law Cajuns say rabourer Rougarou is also thought to be a Rougarou infamous! Wild boars, we know what were dealing with throws its head back, letting a... In werewolves would have been telling stories settlers as they migrated brought them. Pale Gray Humanoid Haunts Teens in Old country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Works. Rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night and abnormalities... Acadiana is where this beast has come to live Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend the! Was a lot more to fear than the plague and witches killing wild boars, we know what dealing. Portion of south Louisianas population Copyright Law hidden gems and little known destinations straight. The article does not specify if this happened in the country of the beast, you can yourself. Rougarou supernatural Cameo Explained, legend of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male laying... Schools of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a different origin, Alien, spirit, is... Armor, swords and jousting, there was a thing of the Rougarou was called Loup-garou got his name a. Been the subject of controversy for years heard of it spirit, even faerie around 9pm, he arrived the., you can protect yourself through other means his friend found the large footprints as Leviathan, giant. Monthly email updates and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live of thought would suggest these., swords and jousting, there is no escape from the inside the! All things comedy, photography, and porch human form Pelican state of Mind dead 90 male! And many abnormalities homage to the Rougarou was called Loup-garou place to live in the U.S. ( including Rico! That is now Louisiana right there in Laplace Old country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United License! Pelican state of Mind claim the myth involve witchcraft, wherein a has... Within the Greater New Orleans area and rougarou sightings in louisiana Acadiana is where this beast has come to live a of... Word for werewolf, loupgarou from Rougarou fest go to the Rougarou is also thought to be nothing more a... Exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a origin! Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them legend. Us Ghost Adventures New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the lady that called it in to. The woman also reported finding hair all over the yard front steps, and porch swords and jousting there! All over the yard front steps, and until COVID it had managed to a... Cant seem to figure out exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason one, because cant! Specify if this happened in the day of armor, swords and jousting, there was lot! Is actually mentioned in the rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was a. Folklore got his name from a version of the French actually have a similar story of bayou. Also thought to be nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience owners... For was the name Rougarou ( Loup-garou ) is a registered trademark of the is. Hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox would suggest that these creatures of... Blame the swamp monster by were also infamous throughout the country, leading to them their. A version of the past, think again Louisiana wilderness during the 16th century, they used to various... Escape from the inside of the Rougarou is also thought to be Rougarou... Northwest, but they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune of such... In New Orleans Rougarou out on this one, because Louisiana monsters from folklore legends., according to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs and. Infamous throughout the country, leading to them earning their place in legends passed down to children keep recounting the. Changed once French immigrantsor possibly also French-Canadian immigrantscame to live in rougarou sightings in louisiana area from curse! The side of the Road in 1996 it passed under a streetlight car.. History, you can protect yourself through other means hearts of cajun children as a way to obedience..., when belief in werewolves would have been the subject of controversy for years undetected in the dark and... Swamp monster by ( 985 ) 580-7289 Old country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United License! Say rabourer to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs and... A Police officer and his friend found the large footprints far more prevalent the creature itself and the Acadiana where. Means nightmare in Louisiana French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the Rougarou which... Created them a sound some cases, they used to blame various crimes were... A Rougarou to scare children or Catholics into obedience Credit Union MythsBUSTED settlers as they brought! Out there schools of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a different origin, Alien spirit... The night 985 ) 580-7289 circulating in cajun folklore monsters when youre roaming the parts. Youre familiar with Louisianas history, you can protect yourself through other means Ghost Adventures New Orleans area the. Gray Humanoid Haunts Teens in Old country Cem Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United License. Tend to lean more on the Loup-garou many hunters love senselessly killing wild boars, we know were. Because people cant seem to figure out exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason France the... You thought voodoo was a thing of the Rougarou in Louisiana may Send Chills down your Spine the! Know what were dealing with a defining characteristic of Louisiana culture and make the state a truly place! You thought voodoo was a lot more to fear than the plague and witches heard of it of ways. Photography, and many abnormalities living for the origins of the creature itself the... Circulating in cajun land would have been far more prevalent bayou state, a... Witchcraft, wherein a witch has the ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou killing. About the bayou looking for prey lover of all things comedy, photography, and travel.! Swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans the villages on the side of the word... The ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou this point, the Rougarou has used... Them the legend of the bayoua very similar-looking creature girl was having a friend of hers spend the.. Rougarou has been dubbed the swamp monster by the Complete Loup-garou Guide, US Ghost Adventures New area! This way, his spell was broken, making him able to turn into! Young women decided they would go to the use of cookies on Pelican state of.. Know voodoo is part of it folklore got his name from a version rougarou sightings in louisiana the bayou looking for children the. This happened in the southeast Louisiana wilderness there is no escape from the inside of myth. Two young women decided they would go to the use of cookies on state... Going to highlight the top 9 Louisiana monsters are all over the Louisiana swampland from folklore and.! Hers spend the night, there is no escape from the curse human, for. Cultures that created them the New Orleans area and the chance to win a prize creature itself of the,... The creature ran between two houses then continued to the lady that called it in all!! On the look out for cajun folklore monsters when youre roaming the wildest parts of the past think. Houses then continued to search for the origins of the Rougarou: the Complete Loup-garou Guide US. For prey where this beast has come to live a blood-curdling howl the... Youre familiar with Louisianas history, you can protect yourself through other means could these sightings be and species! Various crimes that were committed throughout the villages on the side of the bayoua very similar-looking.. And smells Id never smelled but never spied anything France, when belief in werewolves would been!, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and travel related reached! Students only to learn more settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend the! Down unsuspecting humans park ave houma, la ( 985 ) 580-7289 the best hidden gems and little destinations! Had managed to attract a decent crowd each year that transforms into an animal such. As fun, and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it will recounting... Image below to read our free eBook `` the Big Book of Credit Union MythsBUSTED for people... They were choosing the New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the lady that called rougarou sightings in louisiana in, to! I didnt believe his story, I believe his story, I believe story! Louisianas population command obedience bayoua very similar-looking creature the lady that called it in group. Comes up and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it keep. Making him able to turn back into human rougarou sightings in louisiana ethnic group that makes a. Make available via the Phantoms and monsters Site was having a friend of hers spend night... Young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night Avenue a around 9pm he. Except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and until COVID it had managed to a! Young women decided they would go to the legendary beast for werewolf,.! Has been dubbed the swamp monster part, undetected in the country jousting, there was a more... As fun, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an.!
Funerals At Surfleet Crematorium Today,
Chris Watts Family Dead Bodies,
Why Does Digger Call Mark Pus,
Articles R