Numerous ghost sightings have been reported over the years, making it one of the most haunted landmarks in the USA. We may never really find out.. 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. A Police officer and his partner, responding to a neighborhood prowler call. Email Joni Hess at joni.hess@theadvocate.com. Sightings have given rise to a number of stories describing creepy things that hide in the dark and dont play nice. The Rougarou roams the bayou in search for misbehaving children to frighten. THE ROUGAROU - Folklore, Myths & Legends Such monster makeovers are common. In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. Loup is French for Wolf, and Garou refers to a man that transforms into an animal. The creature ran two city blocks before absconding into the marsh. We do have water spirits, such as Leviathan, a giant alligator spirit, who is actually mentioned in the Bible. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Lapin, the trickster rabbit rooted in African folklore traditions that were brought to Louisiana by enslaved people, has also seen a transformation. Theyre not trying to eat you, Ancelet says. Stumbling upon the LObservateur article reignited my borderline obsessive interest in these types of creature sightings. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It will begin to recount the pennies, continuously perplexed as it encounters the number 13, until sunrise. You interact with them, theyre dancing and theyre nice. Legend says that the Rougarou will hunt these individuals down and suck their blood, feeding on their energy for up to 101 days. 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 will see the 13 objects, try to count them, and be unable to count them all. In the legend, this beast is often described as having the body of a man and the head of a wolf or a dog and prowls Louisiana swamps looking for misbehaving children. Despite the Rougarou legend seemingly beginning as a way to scare Catholics and children, many locals maintain its existence and have their own personal stories, especially among the older generation. A simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the beast. The two young women decided they would go to the car together. There was a problem saving your notification. 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 realized that parts of our folklore and our oral traditions were getting lost, he says. The story was born in France in medieval times, when they actually believed in werewolves. When many of the French migrated to Canada and the southern United States, they took the legend of the loup-garou with them. mystery of Marie Laveau, Louisianas Voodoo Queen, Jacques St. Germain, The Infamous Louisiana Vampire, Jean Lafitte: Mystery of the Unfound Treasure, History of the Louisiana Snowball and Its Flavors. Every year in October, there is a festival held in downtown Houma called the Rougarou Fest. Was there really a monster in the swamps? The Legends Of This Mythical Creature In Louisiana Are Terrifying The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide. A woman named Barbara Mullins discovered a supposedly unidentifiable carcass on the side of the road in 1996. 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. Were you told the story of the Rougarou as . Love Louisiana? Dont believe us? The unfortunate person is under the spell for 101 days. Stories of these cajun folklore spirits originated in French culture and made their way into Louisiana folklore over time. This was a deep dense pine forest with rolling Knolls and the occasion small marsh(bayou). Audobon's website also has Rougarou t-shirts for sale. The Giants body appeared to be covered with reddish hair. The hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. There are multiple categories you can enter, including ones for kids and pets. Thats what we in Louisiana call the Rougarou, cher. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. The villagers would capture people they believed to be a loup-garou and then hold a public trial. I remember when the physician shot himself here in Lockport. 9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails - YouTube Curious Louisiana answers. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is one example of many as to how popular the folklore surrounding the beast truly is. Get monthly email updates and the chance to win a prize. The curse is transferred when it draws another human's blood. Some legends of the beast say it can only be killed by fire, others say it can be killed while its in its vulnerable human form. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. Your email address will not be published. When French settlers came to Louisiana, the story came with them. Louisiana has a Nightmare on Bourbon Street situation going on that some arent aware of. Legend of the Rougarou, a Louisiana werewolf - The Daily Advertiser Offer subject to change without notice. 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. The plantation's most popular (and yet to be debunked) encounter is the apparition of a young . The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. It is known as the most haunted road in the entire state. After years of inbreeding, their appearance became less and less human-like, resulting in what people now call The Grunch. According to reports, this Louisiana monster looks human, except for his sharp teeth, goat legs, and many abnormalities. 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. Also in Harvey, residents say they've seen it knocking over trashcans and chasing cats. The Most Haunted Louisiana Road: Bayou Sale Road The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. People say, behind the disguises, theyre really the spirits of babies who died before baptism. Outside of the infamous Honey Island Swamp Monster, there were not many stories that I found in my preliminary search. The Rougarou ---- The Louisiana Swamp Monster - YouTube He hides in tall grass near Grunch Road in New Orleans, LA, waiting to prey on teens who park there. The Rougarou life involves shapeshifting into its beast form every night, then being forced to transform back into a human at sunrise. The Legends Of The Rougarou In Louisiana May Send Chills Down Your Spine Since the dawn of time, people have been telling stories. Once the human is cursed, it is permanent. Stories of cajun folklore monsters have been passed down for decadescenturies even. She described it also as being tall and hairy and went on to further say that it was almost so white it was glowing. She also described the creature to be staring in her direction. Will Seals' home was set afire and he was shot down while trying to escape the flames. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. 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. 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. Its a hybrid mixture of escaped circus chimpanzees and alligators which now live in the swamps of St. Tammany Parish. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou supernatural popularity. Origins of the Rougarou lie in 16th Century medieval French Folklore. Discover Louisiana's legendary werewolf: the Rougarou. Southeast Louisiana Bigfoot Sightings. 51. If you werent already aware, New Orleans has a prominent vampire subculture. I hunt all over america and even in Africa a couple times ive run across crap that has made me avoid entire states and run across other things that i tried to stalk and kill one of these things i tried to kill is a loup garou i lived in deep louisiana until i was 11 i know about these things your gonna need some back story for this i subscribe to the idea that they are cursed humans and will have the curse till they die like wherewolves and the loup garou may even be a wherewolf because the only time ive ever found a claim of one that i couldnt easily blow off the description was the same as a where wolf like a humanoid grizzly bear on two legs with lots of steroids that aside i was doing some hunting one night for hog and saw a huge animal walk out stood 6 or 7 feet tall on two legs couldnt make out fine details due to light but i took a shot at it after i saw enough to realize it wasnt human i shot it in the head with a 45-70 those of you who dont get that its a rifle capable of taking large game like an elephant with one shot very strong round and for those of you who are gun people ill give some specs it was a 500 grain soft lead bullet hot loaded on 72 grains of powder (that doesnt sound like much but i shoot black powder in it not smokeless and no its not a muzzle loader it shoots brass cased bullets like a normal gun) anyway i hit it in the head and it got really pissed of and started to charge from about 200 yards away i shot it again in the chest and it ran off i spent the night tracking it mind you this all happemed at about 10 i only quit when i lost blood trail and foot print trail right around daylight i went home and that night there was a story of a man whos body had been found with two large holes that resembled bullet holes but it was ruled out because there was no trace of any lead or powder and he was drained of all his blood that chalked it up to a satanic ritual now to me it sounds like i killed a loup garou but hey maybe its still out there and just really pissed off. 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. She describes the Rougarou as "an important identification marker for South Louisiana's culture." It was eventually through the Cajun French that the name Rougarou came to be. Sorcery is everywhere, and after repeated viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what were dealing with. They are a defining characteristic of Louisiana culture and make the state a truly unique place to live. On the last Saturday in October in the city of Houma, Rougarou Fest is held. Rougarou Fest/Facebook. The seminary student had the urge to run back to the monastery to tell someone but a thought emerged NO. Full report can be found at http://www.gcbro.com/LAlivingston0001.html. Subscribe to the Pelican State of Mind blog by providing your email below! The Caribbean island nation of Haiti, already steeped in the dark lore of zombies and voodoo magic, also has its own version of the infamous werewolf, which they call the je-rouges, or "red eyes." It is also referred to it as the French loup-garou and by the Creole word lougarou. one football field of coastline was lost per hour. This a great article!! Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a Voodoo priestess. Im not making this up. No, you dont become a Rougarou from a bite or scratch, or from losing a bet. The man dropped his gun and ran. They had no clue to what creature could make such a sound. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. The creature is only vaguely seen in the film with a head resembling a bear. 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. A human would have a substantial amount of trouble walking through the terrain. And as the stomping grounds for the rougarou have disappeared, so have tales about the beastuntil Foret made it his mission to save both. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. Jerry Major's Curious Louisiana question is more than an inquiry about a pronunciation. We cant make this stuff up. It was late in the evening when Mr. Nameless flagged me down. I am using it as research for a short story that I am wtiting. If you have lived in Louisiana, there is a significant chance you have heard the lore of the Rougarou (also spelled as Rouxgaroux). In the article, we will attempt to answer these questions and more. In this version, the Rougarou would live life as a normal person until some event occurred that triggered their condition. 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. Enjoy these allegedly. 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. 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. Even the act of self-defense could be life-altering. In a 2008 Fox News special,people claimed they'd seen the beast. A close friend of the family who was on . The two children ran the entire way home, about of a mile. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. The question nagged him into adulthood. I was thinking the same. 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. Nope, not The GrinchThe Grunch. According to the woman, "The next day a prominent physician appeared in town with his right arm cut and in a sling. This version varies from being a Bigfoot legend to resembling something more like a wendigo. A large dark figure on two legs crossed the road. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Louisiana's Rougarou Fest - Enchanted Living Magazine Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. It sounds like a wolf, but somethings a little off. Most Christians believe any spirit that is not a holy one is a demonic spirit. Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a voodoo priestess. The student claimed it was the exact same sounds they heard during their encounter. He might even be neighbors with the Honey Island Swamp Monster, which is also known as Louisianas bigfoot of the swamp.. The report suggests that these two encounters took place in roughly the same area. The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. 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. The Rougarou, or as others may say, Loup garou, is a bayou-dwelling werewolf. The jury is still out on this one, because people cant seem to figure out exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason! The Rougarou is a legendary creature that is often depicted on shirts, cups, and other forms of merchandise. Curious Louisiana answers. Before we get too far into an explanation let's first say it correctly, the proper pronunciation is, "Roo-Ga-Roo.". 1989 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. 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 source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters. 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. Their property backs up to a vast cypress swamp. If this witness tells anyone about this encounter within a year and a day, they will become a Rougarou themselves. Back in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes on loup-garous. The French Catholics claimed that you would be turned into a loup-garou if you did not follow the rules of Lent for seven consecutive years. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. The Rougarou Fest Is The Spookiest Festival In Louisiana - OnlyInYourState Be careful, because Louisiana monsters are all over! The brave friend stated that something in her mind told her to look ahead. Feel free to email me at jsutherlin@onlyinyourstate.com. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. The creature was black, hairy, and walking upright on two legs. It is said that you can protect yourself against the Rougarou by laying 13 small objects by your doors. How safe are you from this magnificent monster? Some have claimed it to be the body of a Rougarou, though others have speculated it might be a Chupacabra or Devil Monkey. Other more out there schools of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a different origin, Alien, Spirit, even faerie. Well written and well documented. 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. It was still very much daylight when this happened but the only detail he could make out was that the creature was upright and a bipedal hominid, dark in color. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. While most likely these stories are cautionary tales meant to keep kids from wandering into dangerous situations, it does make you think! Is there a Louisiana werewolf? 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. The Rougarou: Southern Louisiana The legends of the rougarou, or loup-garou, have been passed down from generation to generation as long as Louisiana has been inhabited by modern man. I'm considering creating a documentary on the legend of the Rougarou when I get some more free time in the future. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. 8 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore | PeachTown He let his mind wander. 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. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. He has the body of a man, head of a werewolf, and sharp teeth that can seamlessly tear through flesh. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! The Bible tells us to test the spirit(s) to see if it (they) come from God. Lover of all things comedy, photography, and travel related. Years later the seminary student was watching a television program about Bigfoot and they played audio of a suspected Sasquatch. And then I realized that is what I saw! The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill. People claim he leaves behind webbed footprints (presumably to navigate the swamps effectively) and mutilates wild boars. It was near 2am and both parties were hesitant to walk to the car to retrieve the purse. Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw, but I was convinced. Required fields are marked *. The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. In the same story from The Nicholls Worth, the author, Brandon Folse, heavily quotes Patricia Perrin, a retired English instructor and folklore specialist. Often the story of the Rougarou has been used to instill fear in the hearts of Cajun children as a way to command obedience. In an attempt to keep occupied and at home during these various phases of the Covid-19 pandemic, on a whim I decided to search out Louisiana based Bigfoot sightings. Catholics are told it will hunt down and kill them if they don't obey Lent. The details of just seeing the eyes suggest that this sighting happened in the early morning while it was still dark. Wow, this is most definitely going to be my art project gonna be difficult but I'll get it done. We know what you are probably thinking. When the first drop of blood is drawn, the creature returns to human form and tells the attacker who it really is. No purchase necessary. As the rougarou lunges forward he defends himself and cuts its arm, thus releasing the curse from that person and putting it onto [himself].. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The beast is also a hit in pop culture here in Louisiana. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). The commuter stated Unlike the sloth, it was man-like. Full report can be found on bfro.net Report #514. 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." At this point, the beast is forced to retreat as its human form begins to resurface. What I saw scared the life out of me. In the official report the officer filed he was honest, but kept the details to a minimum, it was a very tall dark figure, with no description of clothing. Foret is now director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit that educates students, in the classroom and on field trips, about the challenges of sea level rise, climate change, and living in a coastal communityone still recovering from 2021s Hurricane Ida. Standing on two legs on top of a fallen, moss-covered tree is a large, snarling beast. Its fingernails are grisly claws. I heard sounds Ive never heard and smells Id never smelled but never spied anything. The 12 year old that was operating the mini-bike accelerated so hard that thier cousin fell off the back. Ready for the creatures that will haunt you in your sleep? There she saw standing next to a tree 25 feet away a creature that she described as being extremely tall and white. Stories on its origin vary, but some say its a spirit while others claim its a child that was raised by alligators. [12] According to Breaux, as Hubert retold the story, he began clenching his teeth and breathing rapidly as if he were reliving a terrifying experience. This continued for 15 minutes until the sound started to travel away. Kliebert tried to communicate with the giant, asking who are you? Many rumors haunt this road, also known as LA-57. There also exist more supernatural explanations for the origins of the Rougarou. 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. Past participants have described the festival as fun, and until COVID it had managed to attract a decent crowd each year.

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