Even today he refuses to let anyone see it.". by Joel Balsam October 19, 2022. June 7, 2022 . Even if I didnt believe his story, I believe his demeanor when recounting it. And we value equal representation for allso they deserve a spot on our list of the scariest Louisiana monsters! Love Louisiana? ", This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. 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. At the time, it was called the loup-garou, and many crimes were blamed on the beast. There was a significant belief in the beast by the populace that people were put on trial and found guilty of being the fabled beast. Well, the rougarou of the Bayou country has a pretty strong link to the werewolf of ancient times in Europe and France. The mud was too sloppy to retain any prints. 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. Louisiana native. I realized that parts of our folklore and our oral traditions were getting lost, he says. Watch Live . Kezia Kamenetz is a native to southern Louisiana and lives in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans currently. 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. One of the most compelling reports occurred in Marrero, LA circa 1970. These loup-garous became a fear for many people in the country, leading to them earning their place in legends passed down to children. I remember he kept repeating something to the effect of look, Im not sure what I saw. At that time the only reference I had to Bigfoot was a few TV shows and a book I checked out a few times from my schools library. As the name implies, it pays homage to the legendary beast. Definitely a loup-garou. 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. A quick browse and youll find many pictures of the Rougarou. Audobon's website also has Rougarou t-shirts for sale. The Rougarou has a varied history, though all variations seem to trace it back to the French. The rougarou (also spelled rugaru or rugaroo) has its origins in 16th century medieval French folklore. Thu 06/01/23. The Rougarou And Other Fearful Creatures That Haunt The Bayou By Brad Goins Cryptozoology is the study of imaginary or mythical creatures. The Rougarou ---- The Louisiana Swamp Monster 1,356 views Premiered Oct 31, 2020 58 Dislike Share Save The Traveling Gilberts 876 subscribers Subscribe The story of the Rougarou (the Louisiana. 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. Other more out there schools of thought would suggest that these creatures or of a different origin, Alien, Spirit, even faerie. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. We do have water spirits, such as Leviathan, a giant alligator spirit, who is actually mentioned in the Bible. Wow, this is most definitely going to be my art project gonna be difficult but I'll get it done. The legend of the rougarou plays a prominent role in the History Channel television series Cryptid: The Swamp Beast. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In others, they are demonic forces that play tricks and lead you to your demise in the swamps. The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. Cauchemar actually means nightmare in Louisiana French and Creole. The same 12 year old child claims that about a month after, they were out with the same cousin in the woods that bordered their neighborhood, when they spotted a bush along the train track shake. This terrifying creature has evolved over millenniabut never lost the need to feed. DATE. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). karen rietz baldwin; hidden valley high school yearbook. For centuries, if you didnt follow Catholic traditions, such as observing Lent, or if you hunted on holy days, the rougarou would get you. I came across a LObservateur article that ran around Halloween 2002, titled: Let the haunting good times roll. This sighting took place just north of the Manchac Swamp region, about a quarter mile away from Hwy. Theres a lot of blue tarps still on roofs everywhere, says Foret. Louisiana is a lovely place to visit. That way, everyone is reminded of what may happen if you don't keep your promises during the Lenten season, which begins the day after Mardi Gras. By the end, youll know the scariest rumors circulating in cajun land. Trey Iles Baton Rouge. 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. NOTE: Any use of witness information, which includes any attempt to contact a witness or persons involved in an event, is strictly prohibited without the written consent of Lon Strickler, 'Winged Cryptids: Humanoids, Monsters & Anomalous Creatures Casebook', Chicago / Lake Michigan Winged Humanoid / Flying Entity Sightings & Encounters, Phantoms & Monsters Fortean Research Team / Affiliates, Pennsylvania Upright Canine / Dogman Investigations, 'Crypto Four Corners International' Investigations - In Memory of JC Johnson. The source of storms and an (occasional) kidnapper, the massive ancient beast has inspired muscle cars and jet fighters. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf. Years later the seminary student was watching a television program about Bigfoot and they played audio of a suspected Sasquatch. In Assumption Parish it is common place for house to be built substantially off the ground to withstand inevitable flood waters. 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. I am a journalist from Louisiana who has always been fascinated by folk lore and its cultural impact. For instance, in 2015, the floorless roller coaster Mantis was renamed Rougarou. 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. Wed 05/31/23. 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. Its incredible that I actually witnessed one and I do believe thats the only thing it couldve been. In the late summer of the early 90's (actual year up for debate), I was riding my bike. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I believe that people are seeing these poor mangy bears instead of werewolves. Generations of youngsters have heard the scary tales. That gator is looking pretty good right now, huh? We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. Louisiana has the most unique culture Ive discovered in the US and thats saying something being a native of Appalachia. You can find information on the legend of Cauchemar in folklore from all around the world, and it even exists in the Deep South. Is one of these crafty cryptids on display in a small museum? Strange noise ? The brave friend stated that something in her mind told her to look ahead. This creature, also called Loup garou, is so popular it was depicted on the hit television series Supernatural. The wife wandered into the woods and locked eyes with the Rougarou. For the original report of this sighting visit bfro.net Report #2764, Late October, near Sorrento, Louisiana a commuter was heading home. Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. Rougarou Caught on Aerial Footage Breakdown The Paranormal Review, Barbeque, and the Outdoors! They take up residence in your home and play harmless tricks on you, so you shouldnt be too alarmed. Buy Tickets. 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. Rougarou. 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. The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide, US Ghost Adventures New Orleans Ghosts Review. Seguin. He has the body of a man, head of a werewolf, and sharp teeth that can seamlessly tear through flesh. 9 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Rougarou, Legendary Monsters of Louisiana: Cauchemar, Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts in 2021. Some versions of the myth involve witchcraft, wherein a witch has the ability to curse someone to be a Rougarou. Offer subject to change without notice. It was eventually through the Cajun French that the name Rougarou came to be. http://www.gcbro.com/LAassumption03-12-2016.html, http://www.gcbro.com/LAlivingston0001.html, http://www.gcbro.com/LAsttammany0004.html. I was thinking the same. 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, 7 Folktales, Legends, and Superstitions Every Louisianian Has Heard At Least Once, The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Louisiana Swamp Will Give You Chills, The Story Behind This Legendary Swamp Monster In Louisiana Will Give You The Chills, 7 Creepy Louisiana Ghost Stories That Will Make You Sleep With The Lights On, Wanderluster/E+ Collection via Getty Images, Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images, Troy Harrison/Moment Collection via Getty Images, 2ndLookGraphics/E+ Collection via Getty Images. 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. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. In some cases, they are your loved ones coming to greet you and bring good fortune. Thank you! Long, thin arm attached to a 6 to 7 foot frame. In these times, many crimes were blamed on the beast, ranging from theft to kidnapping of children. According to the woman, "The next day a prominent physician appeared in town with his right arm cut and in a sling. troy landrey talked about it on swamp people. According to Native American legends, theres a creature in Terrebonne Parish that is the spirit of a child reincarnated as a beast. Remnants of history freckle the map, whether its old and potentially haunted buildings, abandoned theme parks or even museums with some very strange collections. It is said that you can protect yourself against the Rougarou by laying 13 small objects by your doors. The unfortunate person is under the spell for 101 days. Back in the day of armor, swords and jousting, there was a lot more to fear than the plague and witches. Frogs croak their songs in the distance and mosquitos buzz as they fly around looking for their next meal. At the time of the encounter the officer had no working knowledge of Bigfoot or sasquatch, but having a degree in anthropology left no doubt in the officers mind what he saw was most defiantly not a large, naked, human being. Werewolves have transformed, too, and not just into the Teen Wolf tv show and movie. As the dying man takes his last breath, he has to remind his killer not to mention the incident to anyone--or else they will end up with the same fate, turned into the Rougarou. This legendary creature of Cajun folklore is often depicted in literature and images as a man with a wolfs or dogs head. Kliebert was stunned when he saw this giant approaching him. 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. 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. Legend says a group of albino dwarves isolated themselves from society in the woods just outside of New Orleans. Eventually he began disappearing at night--eventually turning fully into the Rougarou, never to be seen in the same form again. mystery of Marie Laveau, Louisianas Voodoo Queen, Jean Lafitte: Mystery of the Unfound Treasure, History of the Louisiana Snowball and Its Flavors, Heres Where You Can Get Income-Based Assistance in Louisiana. The report suggests that these two encounters took place in roughly the same area. Ruston doesnt have a swamp, but if it did. The cousins decided to turn around and go back the direction they came to avoid a close encounter with this unknown, imposing, bipedal creature. Is there a Louisiana werewolf? 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 human would have a substantial amount of trouble walking through the terrain. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific, social justice, and religious issues, etc. 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. Loup-garou. I had almost forgot about it since no one answered phone when I wanted to tell someone what I just seen was so weird. That festival is cool because it links folklore to current issues and things that people need to be aware of, Rabalais says. If you dont have the stomach to fight the beast, you can protect yourself through other means. The man dropped his gun and ran. A woman reports that several nights before the actual sighting there was something rummaging around underneath ther house. Rougaroux Rum, manufactured by donner-peltier distillers in Thibodaux, Louisiana, has a special praline-flavored version called Rougaroux 13 Pennies. Required fields are marked *. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. A lover of tasty meat, he lurks in swamps and hunts down unsuspecting humans. Turns out voodoo is still in. An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. Its rumored that Lutins can take any form, including cats (especially white ones), hobgoblins, elves, and other strange creatures. Definitely going to be a Rougarou representation for allso they deserve a spot our! Link to the Rougarou Mantis was renamed Rougarou Cajun folklore is often depicted in literature and images as beast. 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