A year later the boy killed himself and left a letter that the family turned over to the sheriff. This terrifying creature has evolved over millenniabut never lost the need to feed. 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. Local stories say the Rougarou roams the streets at night, antagonizing people to attack it. A 1981 report bywriter Jerry Breaux pulled from The Advocate archives recalls a conversation the writer had with his long-time friend, Hubert. Im not making this up. Let us know in the comments below! Also in Harvey, residents say they've seen it knocking over trashcans and chasing cats. The plantation's most popular (and yet to be debunked) encounter is the apparition of a young . 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. Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. Enjoy these allegedly. Over the years there have been many different stories about this mythical creature in Louisiana, a common occurrence with oral traditions like this one. 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. Only you can prevent forest fires, and so only you can save Louisianas wetlands.. 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. 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. It stands upright on two legs, and is covered in hair. Personally, Id never hear about something terrible and say, Yep, thats definitely the work of a werewolf. Theres a howl in the near distance. Some versions of the myth involve witchcraft, wherein a witch has the ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou. Curious Louisianaconnects readers with our newsroom's reporting. Like the childhood game of telephone, the story morphs over the years as it gets passed down from generation to generation. The jury is still out on this one, because people cant seem to figure out exactly what the Lutin isand theres good reason! 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. Case closed. This was one interesting problem that they had to deal with centuries ago. She finally located the purse she grabbed it and quickly ran inside the house. [10] [11] Boxer Regis Prograis (of Creole descent) goes by the nickname Rougarou. Long, thin arm attached to a 6 to 7 foot frame. The curse is transferred when it draws another human's blood. Or else you may find yourself prey to the legendary Rougarou. Deep in the rural wooded swamp of Livingston Parish and young girl was having a friend of hers spend the night. Stories of cajun folklore monsters have been passed down for decadescenturies even. 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. 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. 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. But first, lets dive into some of its histories. The Giants body appeared to be covered with reddish hair. It's got to be the Rougarou, the infamous werewolf of the bayou. There are many people in Louisiana who practice magic and wish curses upon us. Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. Thank you! He and his partner were a part of a unit in Jefferson Parish that were first responders to criminal calls, making this a most credible report. It was late in the evening when Mr. Nameless flagged me down. In an interview conducted by Carter Buschardt, the officer stated that he went back to look at the end of shift report he filed the night of the encounter, but was unable to find the report. 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. Both the officer and his partner got a good look at the creature when it passed under the streetlight. Curious Louisiana explains it's not all random. Its popularity has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it. Sorcery is everywhere, and after repeated viewings of Hocus Pocus, we know what were dealing with. Sightings have given rise to a number of stories describing creepy things that hide in the dark and dont play nice. The student claimed it was the exact same sounds they heard during their encounter. Years later the seminary student was watching a television program about Bigfoot and they played audio of a suspected Sasquatch. Most Christians believe any spirit that is not a holy one is a demonic spirit. It's okay, because we're here to bust them! 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. 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. Children can see and hear everything that happens, but they are unable to move. We can only hope Ruston, LA never decides to build a Grunch Road. Legends of the Rougarou. Did your house get ransacked during the night? You have permission to edit this article. 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. Often the story of the Rougarou has been used to instill fear in the hearts of Cajun children as a way to command obedience. Once the human is cursed, it is permanent. The story of the Letieche is Louisianas Jungle Book. I grew up that way and you would hear about strange things.. In this version, the Rougarou is in human form during the day, only transforming at night, meaning he could blend in with society and no one would ever know! At the annual October events rougarou costume contest, the fests mascot is reimagined hundreds of different ways, including as an eco-activist. The brave friend dismissed what she saw for a moment and continued to search for the purse in the dark. The report suggests that these two encounters took place in roughly the same area. Some sources claim the myth originated in medieval France, when belief in werewolves would have been far more prevalent. 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. It sounds like a wolf, but somethings a little off. In this region; cities, towns, and neighborhoods tend to arise on the dry patches of earth that are surrounded by vast, thick, primordial swamp. Feel free to email me at jsutherlin@onlyinyourstate.com. Before we get too far into an explanation let's first say it correctly, the proper pronunciation is, "Roo-Ga-Roo.". Proud foodie. There are also stories of an enormous monster that also shares the bayou with the Rougarou and that is the Honey Island Swamp Monster, which is also known as Louisiana's "bigfoot of the swamp." 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 . Near Avenue A around 9pm, He arrived at the scene and spoke to the lady that called it in. The question nagged him into adulthood. 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. 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 Rougarou (Cedar Point) roller coaster is located at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Once the cousin jumped back on they yelled GO! They did not look back after that. The source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters. Today, theyre suave and sexy, thanks in part to pop culture hits such as Interview with the Vampire, Twilight, and True Blood. The sounds stopped just before it would have broke the tree line and became visible. However, due to its incredibly poor math skills, the beast can only count to 12. It is said that you can protect yourself against the Rougarou by laying 13 small objects by your doors. 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. There are documentaries about this you can easily find on YouTube. we have similar creatures in northeastern NY along with a few other cryptids like pig men and Bigfoot but i also have seen a panther like cat with black bat like wings by the tree line in a small town along lake Champlain. This is why I always read terms and conditions. The 12 year old that was operating the mini-bike accelerated so hard that thier cousin fell off the back. Once the girl was halfway to the vehicle she noticed her friend was still standing at the front door of the house. 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. 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. The giant was walking westerly at a quick pace with a sorrowful but purposeful look. 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. There she saw standing next to a tree 25 feet away a creature that she described as being extremely tall and white. It was eventually through the Cajun French that the name Rougarou came to be. "This thing had a flat back. The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide. Mr. Nameless admitted that he did not want to slow down to get a good look. That festival is cool because it links folklore to current issues and things that people need to be aware of, Rabalais says. 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. 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. 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. Thats no werewolf, though. Lapin, the trickster rabbit rooted in African folklore traditions that were brought to Louisiana by enslaved people, has also seen a transformation. The creature stood upright on two legs. One day her husband was walking back from his shop in the backyard, and was pretty shook up over what he witnessed. He told me it made no since for someone to be crossing the road at that point. The rougarou, the Cajun cryptid said to haunt Louisiana's wetlands, is the mascot of a conservation effort for its traditional habitat. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. A few seconds passes and she started to feel a fear building inside. Love Louisiana? More than a millennium ago, vampires were demonic vectors of disease, possibly reflecting the very real threat of rabies. I was thinking the same. No purchase necessary. But you should 100% be on the lookout for alligators if you find yourself in the swamps at night. 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. Makes that morning commute not seem so bad, right? Get more stories delivered right to your email. I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. 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. 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. When they were choosing the new name, one of the trademarks filed for was the name the New Orleans Rougarou. Lurking in the woods and wetlands of southern Louisiana, according to Cajun legend, theres a ferocious monster that attacks the wayward and the wanderer. As it gets to 13, it becomes confused. A simple yet effective trick to protect oneself from the beast. Were you told the story of the Rougarou as . I came across a LObservateur article that ran around Halloween 2002, titled: Let the haunting good times roll. That gator is looking pretty good right now, huh? Honey Island Swamp Monster Origins of the Rougarou lie in 16th Century medieval French Folklore. 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. Dont believe us? Deep in the swamps of south Louisiana, legend has it, there lives the Rougarou a mythical werewolf type creature with sharp claws and glowing eyes. Its rumored that Lutins can take any form, including cats (especially white ones), hobgoblins, elves, and other strange creatures. It ended up passing within 15 yards of Mr. Klibert. A quick browse and youll find many pictures of the Rougarou. Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw, but I was convinced. Some Louisiana monsters are walking around in plain sight! Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. The few folks that lay eyes on these creatures are simply catching an interloper just visiting. 7910 park ave houma, la (985) 580-7289 . 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. The friend forgot her purse in the car. It is known as the most haunted road in the entire state. Mr. Nameless is still is not 100% sure what he saw that evening down Peavine Road, but from time to time he still thinks, and wonders what that large dark figure that crossed his path could be. Such monster makeovers are common. According to folklore, a Rougarou is a human that has been placed under a spell. "Who. 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. Then my son started asking me about the rougarou legend and I was like a wha t? Is one of these crafty cryptids on display in a small museum? No, you dont become a Rougarou from a bite or scratch, or from losing a bet. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Discover Louisiana's legendary werewolf: the Rougarou. There has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends. All rights reserved. And, if you know anything about sleep paralysis, you may have seen the culprit himself! Whether the Rougarou is truly a cryptid stalking the streets at night just waiting to pass its curse on to the next unfortunate soul, or whether it is merely a tool used to scare Catholics into keeping Lent, it is clear that the Rougarou has left its mark on Southern Louisiana. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. If your keys go missing without explanation, it could be a Lutin! French and Canadian settlers as they migrated brought with them the legend of the beast to Louisiana. "The swamp is often seen as a dangerous place, with dangerous animals and everything . Ruston doesnt have a swamp, but if it did. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. In the late summer of the early 90's (actual year up for debate), I was riding my bike. Catholics are told it will hunt down and kill them if they don't obey Lent. Offer subject to change without notice. According to Breaux, as Hubert retold the story, he began clenching his teeth and breathing rapidly as if he were reliving a terrifying experience. The creature ran two city blocks before absconding into the marsh. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Generations of children have heard the scary. Your email address will not be published. Sam and Dean had a struggle with this one. 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). 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 next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. When faced with a supernatural beast that has superhuman strength, speed, and sharp claws and teeth, chances are you wouldnt be feeling very lucky. The Rougarou is also thought to be nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have successfully subscribed to the PeachTown newsletter. The officer reported that the creature crossed a 22 foot wide street in three strides. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. She describes the Rougarou as "an important identification marker for South Louisiana's culture." The Rougarou life involves shapeshifting into its beast form every night, then being forced to transform back into a human at sunrise. Witches?Witch doctors! Theyre not trying to eat you, Ancelet says. The monster has its own Wikipedia pageand has been the source of numerous news stories and documentaries. The beast is also a hit in pop culture here in Louisiana. Thanks for sharing it with us! I had been riding my bike through the trails in the woods that were in the back of Laplace Park. The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a voodoo priestess. The creature continued on as it reached a woody marsh area near a canal then disappeared. An estimated 15,000 people now attend Rougarou Festival, which still manages to provide a very genuine peek into a culture and a land unlike any other in the world. 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. Well written and well documented. In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. Loup-garou. 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. The next day Mr. Nameless, his older brother, and a mutual friend went ride back out to Peavine. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou supernatural popularity. Dragons, once the ultimate test of a heros courage, have been effectively domesticated. 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. A spell that as you will soon find out is not that easy to break. [12] The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. 1990-1992 (early 90s) St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The story of the Rougarou supposedly changed once French immigrantsor possibly also French-Canadian immigrantscame to live in the area that is now Louisiana. While most likely these stories are cautionary tales meant to keep kids from wandering into dangerous situations, it does make you think! Some have claimed it to be the body of a Rougarou, though others have speculated it might be a Chupacabra or Devil Monkey. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Some even suggest a mix of biological and fringe. 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. 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. But as someone who lives in Louisiana and knows many Catholics who break Lent, I'm not so sure about this myth's validity. The neighbor then said he saw an 8 foot tall creature standing on two legs. 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. Their property backs up to a vast cypress swamp. one football field of coastline was lost per hour. I spent a couple summers in Sabine Parish out on North Fort Fort Polk on a tract of ground called Peason Ridge(Little Nam). Is there really a Honey Island Swamp Monster, Louisiana's Bigfoot? He sees it as an example of the way cryptids evolve alongside the cultures that created them. Even the act of self-defense could be life-altering. What is the Rougarou? Cajun legend says that the beast hunts down Catholics who dont follow the rules of Lent, which is similar to the telling of the old French stories. If you'vegot a questionabout something Louisiana-centric, ask us. Outside of the infamous Honey Island Swamp Monster, there were not many stories that I found in my preliminary search. 2023 Atlas Obscura. The tales of the Rougarou have many variations, but it is mostly described as being a hulking beast, up to 10 feet tall, with the hair covered body of a human and the head of a wolf or in some cases a . 61 when they saw a creature pop up out from the bank of the canal that parallels Airline. 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. If you decide to attend the festival or find yourself around the swamps, make sure to remember the tricks and tactics we covered in this article. After being spotted, the creature ran between two houses then continued to the street when it passed under a streetlight. According to some other accounts, the process of transferring the curse involves the willingly human drawing the blood of the Rougarou. The Rougarou, or as others may say, Loup garou, is a bayou-dwelling werewolf. The legend of the Rougaou goes back hundreds of years, originating in France. We use cookies to provide you with the best possible browsing experience. They appear as fluorescent balls of light which loom over the marshlands of Louisiana. The Cajuns (also known as Acadians) are an ethnic group that makes up a significant portion of south Louisianas population. 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.
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