Were you told the story of the Rougarou as . 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 dark figure crossed the road from the passenger side to the driver side, so it was traveling due south when it crossed the road. Hi, I live in Terrebonne Parish near swampy land that was formerly called Devils Swamp. Proud foodie. Well written and well documented. The beast is also a hit in pop culture here in Louisiana. No matter how you spell it, the Rougarou, Roux-Ga-Roux, Rugaroo, Rugaru, or Loup Garou is a werewolf type creature living in the folklore of Cajun French Louisiana. Its rumored that Lutins can take any form, including cats (especially white ones), hobgoblins, elves, and other strange creatures. Thank you! Back in the 16th century, theyd regularly blame various crimes on loup-garous. Your email address will not be published. So this happened to me a few years ago, I was visiting a friend's house in the Houston River area, that section of the river is pretty swampy so we were frog hunting at night. Once turned around, the cousin looked back and observed the creature now walking in the middle of the road and at a quicker pace toward the children. 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. According to Cajun folklore, the monster is said to inhabit the swamps and sugar cane fields around the Acadiana and Greater New Orleans regions. Growing up, my Mom always called it the Wigawoo, and I never knew any different til I was 30something. The legend of the Rougaou goes back hundreds of years, originating in France. 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. In one version, the beast hunts down and kills anyone who doesnt follow the rules of Lent. He slowed down when he saw it because he got the impression that this was not a man. The brave friend dismissed what she saw for a moment and continued to search for the purse in the dark. The Rougarou has even been made into an action figure, part of a series that also features Sasquatch and the Yeti. Crafty. The Rougarou at Cedar Point is a prime example of Rougarou supernatural popularity. 9 REAL Sightings of the Rougarou | Darkness Prevails - YouTube After the initial sighting by the husband, the wife reported that a neighbor came by in an adjatated state. Also in Harvey, residents say they've seen it knocking over trashcans and chasing cats. Curious Louisiana explains it's not all random. THE ROUGAROU - Folklore, Myths & Legends 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. But as with all great monsters, certifiable proof has been elusive. It was near 2am and both parties were hesitant to walk to the car to retrieve the purse. The Audobon Zoo in New Orleans has an exhibit dedicated to the Rougarou, which includes a statue of the creature itself. We cant make this stuff up. 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. 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. Mr. Nameless wasnt sure what he saw, but I was convinced. However, many people also believe it's just a dog. Other variations say a Rougarou can turn their victims merely by making eye contact. Over the years there have been many different stories about this mythical creature in Louisiana, a common occurrence with oral traditions like this one. On a moonless night those are the darkest woods Ive ever trekked through.that includes the Black Forest, Mark Twain National Forest Missouri, the hills of West Virginia, and the Pine Flats in New Jersey. 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 student waited 5 more minutes to see if the sounds would return but the encounter was over. Stumbling upon the LObservateur article reignited my borderline obsessive interest in these types of creature sightings. Sam and Dean had a struggle with this one. "I think that there's magic in the swamps that's celebrated at Rougarou," Foret says. The next day the man found the two Dobermans decapitated. The Rougarou has also been tied to the story of the Deridder Roadkill. Is there a Louisiana werewolf? Heed our warning and be on the look out for cajun folklore monsters when youre roaming the wildest parts of the bayou state. Perrin's statement is quite obviously true due to the Rougarou's clear influence on local culture and beyond. One day her husband was walking back from his shop in the backyard, and was pretty shook up over what he witnessed. The name changed to rougarou in Cajun Louisiana because l and r are linguistically liquid consonants and they change places a lot, says Barry Jean Ancelet, a Cajun folklorist and professor emeritus with the University of Lafayette. Aside from snakes and alligators, there are lots of predators and other scary things living there. It was getting late so I was heading back to my dads house for the evening. The three adult men surveyed the area from the inside of the truck. According to some other accounts, the process of transferring the curse involves the willingly human drawing the blood of the Rougarou. Can you really only eat oysters in 'r' months? Catholics are told it will hunt down and kill them if they don't obey Lent. Stories of the rougarou in Louisiana derive largely from 16th-century French legends of a beast called loup garou, essentially a werewolf. 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. This was a deep dense pine forest with rolling Knolls and the occasion small marsh(bayou). Southeast Louisiana Bigfoot Sightings. The creature is described as half-man, half-dog. Sightings have given rise to a number of stories describing creepy things that hide in the dark and dont play nice. 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. What he described to me, in my mind was a Bigfoot sighing. An illegal moonshine distilling business once drove much of the area's economy, but competition could be shot down without any repercussions, according to the article. If your keys go missing without explanation, it could be a Lutin! Legend says that the Rougarou will hunt these individuals down and suck their blood, feeding on their energy for up to 101 days. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. No, you dont become a Rougarou from a bite or scratch, or from losing a bet. We use cookies to provide you with the best possible browsing experience. Where are you from? Kliebert got no response. For centuries, if you didnt follow Catholic traditions, such as observing Lent, or if you hunted on holy days, the rougarou would get you. But you should 100% be on the lookout for alligators if you find yourself in the swamps at night. According to folklore, a Rougarou is a human that has been placed under a spell. When they were choosing the new name, one of the trademarks filed for was the name the New Orleans Rougarou. These stories were used to keep children in line and out of the woods. Official Post from Deborah Hatswell BBR Being Believed Research & Investigation Louisiana native. Lougarou | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom They described it as a cross between a whimpering dog and human crying. It will begin to recount the pennies, continuously perplexed as it encounters the number 13, until sunrise. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. When many of the French migrated to Canada and the southern United States, they took the legend of the loup-garou with them. "Who. Dragons, once the ultimate test of a heros courage, have been effectively domesticated. Theres a howl in the near distance. And we value equal representation for allso they deserve a spot on our list of the scariest Louisiana monsters! When they reached the paved section of the driveway, PB noticed a dead 90 lb male Bobcat laying along the edge. Did your house get ransacked during the night? The hybrid whimpering could still be heard, and was clear and near, but still no visible sign of what was producing these sounds. 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 Rougarou is also thought to be nothing more than a bogeyman story to scare children or Catholics into obedience. 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. Children are told by their elders to behave or else the Rougarou will get them. one football field of coastline was lost per hour. During this time, however, the Rougarou was called Loup-garou. 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. "This thing had a flat back. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. Will Seals' home was set afire and he was shot down while trying to escape the flames. Years later the seminary student was watching a television program about Bigfoot and they played audio of a suspected Sasquatch. Across French Louisiana, it is a very common legend, and most Louisiana natives are very familiar with at least the name, if nothing else. Theyre not trying to eat you, Ancelet says. 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. 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 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 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. They appear as fluorescent balls of light which loom over the marshlands of Louisiana. You can reach the Curious Louisiana team at CuriousLouisiana@theadvocate.com. Tell your version of this mythical creature in Louisiana in the comments below! [12] The man dropped his gun and ran. 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. Loup-garou. In the swamps within the Greater New Orleans area and the Acadiana is where this beast has come to live. There has been some dispute about whether or not this myth is actually related to the French Louisiana Rougarou legends. Ready for the creatures that will haunt you in your sleep? 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. Discover the secrets of Louisiana lifestyle and explore Ruston, home of the Peach Festival. The officer that reported this sighting stated he and his partner did not discuss this much past that night. Past participants have described the festival as fun, and until COVID it had managed to attract a decent crowd each year. 4 Unique Tales of the Rougarou from Southern Louisiana - OnlyInYourState Many rumors haunt this road, also known as LA-57. 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. When the child saw the dog transform into a man, he dashed home to tell his family. As the rougarou lunges forward he defends himself and cuts its arm, thus releasing the curse from that person and putting it onto [himself].. Last but not least, the pinnacle of mythology in the bayou state and kingpin of all Louisiana monsters the Rougarou. Lover of all things comedy, photography, and travel related. 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. 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. A few seconds passes and she started to feel a fear building inside. 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.. The brave friend stated that something in her mind told her to look ahead. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). The creature was black, hairy, and walking upright on two legs. 8 Scariest Louisiana Monsters from Folklore | PeachTown Outside of Louisiana, the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio has a rollercoaster named Rougarou. The Rougarou of the Bayou Louisiana is a fascinating place whose history is rich with legends from long ago. There are multiple categories you can enter, including ones for kids and pets. Audobon's website also has Rougarou t-shirts for sale. I need to do some more research on those spirits! After the officers spoke to the complainant they decided to do a search of the perimeter. That is if we are to believe that these creatures are flesh and blood biological entities. Its popularity has seen it placed on shirts, mugs, in Hollywood and even seen roller coasters named after it. They look for blood donors who are willing to sell them blood, and yes, they drink it. The creature ran two city blocks before absconding into the marsh. Cauchemar is a monster that leaps out of childrens dreams and rides their backs. 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 article contained a short anecdotal account of an unnamed Laplace man that in 1983 saw something correlates with what Mr. Nameless saw. The Rougarou, The Louisiana Swamp Werewolf - YouTube They take up residence in your home and play harmless tricks on you, so you shouldnt be too alarmed. It was getting late so I was heading back to my dad's house for the evening. While most likely these stories are cautionary tales meant to keep kids from wandering into dangerous situations, it does make you think! The boy saw the dog turn into a man, then ran home to tell his family. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. It was late in the evening and getting dark, so they could not see into the bush. 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. 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. I spent a couple summers in Sabine Parish out on North Fort Fort Polk on a tract of ground called Peason Ridge(Little Nam). Great words, you could make a short story out of that Peason Ridge setting! Children can see and hear everything that happens, but they are unable to move. Out of the shaking bush came a large hairy arm, grabbed a handful of leaves then went back in. The story was born in France in medieval times, when they actually believed in werewolves. The Rougarou, also known as the loup-garou, is essentially Louisiana's bayou-dwelling werewolf, and it's a prominent figure in Cajun folklore. This will perplex it, and it will keep recounting until the sun comes up and it must flee. Numerous ghost sightings have been reported over the years, making it one of the most haunted landmarks in the USA. I tend to lean more on the flesh and blood theory but I think it is important to keep all possibilities in play. What is the Rougarou? Louisiana has a Nightmare on Bourbon Street situation going on that some arent aware of. The friend forgot her purse in the car. Even today he refuses to let anyone see it.". The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Louisiana Swamp Will Give You How safe are you from this magnificent monster? Be careful, because Louisiana monsters are all over! Your email address will not be published. Another Louisiana swamp creature that seems rooted in lore is none other than the Rougarou, which is basically a Cajun version of the werewolf. Required fields are marked *. Had me captured. Definitely a loup-garou. Modern claims of Rougarou sightings are few and far between, however, unlike reports of something strange seen in the swamps of Honey Island. In the same story from The Nicholls Worth, the author, Brandon Folse, heavily quotes Patricia Perrin, a retired English instructor and folklore specialist. The next day Mr. Nameless, his older brother, and a mutual friend went ride back out to Peavine. If you thought voodoo was a thing of the past, think again! The unfortunate person is under the spell for 101 days. Case closed. This was one interesting problem that they had to deal with centuries ago. 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. 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. Offer subject to change without notice. It was a fall evening and this student was walking on a road in back of the property that borders cow pastures and piney woods. In closing Ive always considered Yeti to be more of a possibility than a werewolf. 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. Since the migration, many of the legends began to change to match the times and the dialect. 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. 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. Here's what health officials, restaurants say. The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover. He told me it made no since for someone to be crossing the road at that point. Both the officer and his partner got a good look at the creature when it passed under the streetlight. 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! The two children ran the entire way home, about of a mile. 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. Jerry Major's Curious Louisiana question is more than an inquiry about a pronunciation. In this region; cities, towns, and neighborhoods tend to arise on the dry patches of earth that are surrounded by vast, thick, primordial swamp. 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 seminary student continued to stand still to observe further when the creature started to pace back in fourth just out of sight, beyond the tree line, all why still producing the strange whimpers. The Rougarou Supernatural Cameo Explained, Legend of the Rougarou: The Complete Loup-garou Guide. 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 Bible tells us to test the spirit(s) to see if it (they) come from God.