Cajun legend says that the beast hunts down Catholics who don't follow the rules of Lent. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. A few seconds passes and she started to feel a fear building inside. by Joel Balsam October 19, 2022. I had almost forgot about it since no one answered phone when I wanted to tell someone what I just seen was so weird. 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.
Rougarou Fest | Houma, Louisiana The brave friend continued on to the car, opened the door and started to feel around in the dark for the purse in the passenger seat. The student would take evening walks while saying the rosary. Curious Louisiana answers. This suggests an explanation for the abundance of stories from locals about seeing a Rougarou for themselves. The brave friend stated that something in her mind told her to look ahead. 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. No purchase necessary. 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. Their friendly, but often sinister, nature makes these Cajun fairies some of the most dangerous Louisiana monsters. [12] Is there really a Honey Island Swamp Monster, Louisiana's Bigfoot? 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. 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. We love meat too, but come on. This a great article!! It stands upright on two legs, and is covered in hair. 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. Its incredible that I actually witnessed one and I do believe thats the only thing it couldve been. If you have lived in Louisiana, there is a significant chance you have heard the lore of the Rougarou (also spelled as Rouxgaroux). Official Post from Deborah Hatswell BBR Being Believed Research & Investigation The two young women decided they would go to the car together. Well written and well documented. Legend says that the Rougarou will hunt these individuals down and suck their blood, feeding on their energy for up to 101 days. These loup-garous became a fear for many people in the country, leading to them earning their place in legends passed down to children. Over the decades, numerous people have talked of an ape-like creature or creatures living in swamps. [10] [11] Boxer Regis Prograis (of Creole descent) goes by the nickname Rougarou. Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. 1983 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Lurking in the woods and wetlands of southern Louisiana, according to Cajun legend, theres a ferocious monster that attacks the wayward and the wanderer. I used to have nightmares including the Rougarou as a kid and seeing this is crazy that its something based on my home state. It was late in the evening when Mr. Nameless flagged me down. Like other "monsters" Loch Ness, Bigfoot the Honey Island Swamp Monster has developed an enduring legend. In the same story from The Nicholls Worth, the author, Brandon Folse, heavily quotes Patricia Perrin, a retired English instructor and folklore specialist. There she saw standing next to a tree 25 feet away a creature that she described as being extremely tall and white. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Turns out voodoo is still in. 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. You can reach the Curious Louisiana team at CuriousLouisiana@theadvocate.com. Enjoy these allegedly. For the original report of this sighting visit bfro.net Report #2764, Late October, near Sorrento, Louisiana a commuter was heading home. The creature is only vaguely seen in the film with a head resembling a bear. During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. They are a defining characteristic of Louisiana culture and make the state a truly unique place to live. The man heard a noise behind him; he turned around and witnessed two large, red eyes staring back at him. The Rougarou is an important figure in Cajun legends. Thats no werewolf, though. We all have a notion that this world is a lot stranger than it seems on a surface level. The Same LObservateur article that mentioned the Laplace mans sighting near Ruddock in 1983, also makes mention of another Laplace man that had a strange encounter on top of the levee near Bayou Steel. People claim he leaves behind webbed footprints (presumably to navigate the swamps effectively) and mutilates wild boars. One of the most compelling reports occurred in Marrero, LA circa 1970. He told himself if whatever that was jumps out at me, I can always hit the accelerator. When he got to the area where the creature crossed the road, he looked out the drivers side window but did not see anything. Many rumors haunt this road, also known as LA-57.
What is the Rougarou? | Louisiana Swamp Base According to the woman, "The next day a prominent physician appeared in town with his right arm cut and in a sling. 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. I think its fascinating,'' said Brettel. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. Your email address will not be published. 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. Audobon's website also has Rougarou t-shirts for sale. Feel free to email me at jsutherlin@onlyinyourstate.com. Stumbling upon the LObservateur article reignited my borderline obsessive interest in these types of creature sightings. Why do Bud's Broiler's burger prices conflict? The concepts surrounding the Rougarous supernatural abilities link it closely with traditional concepts of the mythical werewolf. A simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the beast. Beasts called loup-garous, which means werewolves in French, were also infamous throughout the country. 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 friend described a chilling encounter one warm morning. The source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters. Your email address will not be published. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. 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 man dropped his gun and ran. Even the act of self-defense could be life-altering.
10/8/21: Rougarou - an American Skinwalker in Louisiana W/ Seth Im not making this up. Driving west on Airline Hwy. The rougarou (or loup-garou) is a monster from Cajun folklore. The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. 7910 park ave houma, la (985) 580-7289 . Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. When the child saw the dog transform into a man, he dashed home to tell his family. Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Creole. The Rougarou is often also associated with the Skunk Ape or the Honey Island Swamp Monster, likely due to another variation of the myth that states the creature is a shapeshifter that can change forms between human and animal at will, sometimes making it seem more like a swamp Sasquatch than a werewolf. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. But as with all great monsters, certifiable proof has been elusive. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf.
10 Creepy Facts and Legends about New Orleans - Hotels Near Avenue A around 9pm, He arrived at the scene and spoke to the lady that called it in. 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. Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! The lady said, "The next day, a distinguished physician arrived in town with his right arm bandaged and cut. The report suggests that these two encounters took place in roughly the same area. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Were not afraid. 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. One recent supposed sighting came from a woman in Harvey, Louisiana, who claimed she saw a Grunch eating one of her neighbor's dogs. Wow, thank you for that insight! We may never really find out.. At the annual October events rougarou costume contest, the fests mascot is reimagined hundreds of different ways, including as an eco-activist. 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. 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. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. Thanks for sharing it with us! "I think that there's magic in the swamps that's celebrated at Rougarou," Foret says. 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. Aside from snakes and alligators, there are lots of predators and other scary things living there. During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. When they reached the paved section of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male Bobcat laying along the edge. Southeast Louisiana Bigfoot Sightings. These canine-humanoid shapeshifters travel between worlds using magical doors. Standing on two legs on top of a fallen, moss-covered tree is a large, snarling beast. Is there a Louisiana werewolf? "Who. Logic would dictate that any such creature living in southeast Louisiana would appear thinner in both frame and hair because of the climate and wet conditions. 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 . Wow, this is most definitely going to be my art project gonna be difficult but I'll get it done. They take up residence in your home and play harmless tricks on you, so you shouldnt be too alarmed. According to the deputies, the Honey Island Swamp was a hellhole where criminals and monsters thrived. The monster has its own Wikipedia pageand has been the source of numerous news stories and documentaries. Had me captured. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of many as to how popular the folklore surrounding the beast truly is. The next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a voodoo priestess. The Rougarou has a varied history, though all variations seem to trace it back to the French. When I asked Mr. Nameless if the creature was covered in hair he told me that he could not make out any detail other than the figure was large, and almost black. 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. I remember when the physician shot himself here in Lockport. Offer subject to change without notice. The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. In fact, instead of wolfish features, most Cajuns will describe the rougarou as resembling a dog or owl. Can you really only eat oysters in 'r' months? Some Louisiana monsters are walking around in plain sight! He slowed down when he saw it because he got the impression that this was not a man. That gator is looking pretty good right now, huh? Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a Voodoo priestess.
THE ROUGAROU - Folklore, Myths & Legends My Encounter With a Rougarou "aka Louisiana Werewolf". In others, they are demonic forces that play tricks and lead you to your demise in the swamps. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival.
Don't Miss The Best Festival In Louisiana, The Rougarou Fest Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. One of the most popular stories that gets passed down from generation to generation is the legend of the Rougarou, Cajun Country's answer to Bigfoot. 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 creature is described as half-man, half-dog. Louisiana has a Nightmare on Bourbon Street situation going on that some arent aware of.
The Legends Of This Mythical Creature In Louisiana Are Terrifying The next day Mr. Nameless, his older brother, and a mutual friend went ride back out to Peavine. This sighting took place just north of the Manchac Swamp region, about a quarter mile away from Hwy. However, many people also believe it's just a dog. Curious Louisiana answers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. According to Breaux, as Hubert retold the story, he began clenching his teeth and breathing rapidly as if he were reliving a terrifying experience.
When many of the French migrated to Canada and the southern United States, they took the legend of the loup-garou with them. I dont remember verbatim what he told me that day but the gist of that conversation has stuck in my psyche with clarity for nearly 30 years. 51. It was near 2am and both parties were hesitant to walk to the car to retrieve the purse. And, if you know anything about sleep paralysis, you may have seen the culprit himself! There's more to this 19th-century crime than the dark side of fairy lore. Recently I saw a picture of a bear with severe mange which looked like how people describe werewolves and rougarous. 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. "This thing had a flat back. Their full transformation into their Rougarou form would be completed once they had their first bite of human flesh. "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.