Trippy Tales From the Backyard: The Rougarou

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Presents...

Trippy Tales from the Backyard

 The Rougarou

    Welcome back, Young and Young-at-Heart explorers!  Welcome back to Trippy Tales from the Backyard!  The show where we explore some of the strangest, scariest, and most curious urban legends from around the world, especially the good old U.S.A.!  Be they unknown cryptids, horrific hauntings, or random unexplained phenomena, the stories we tell on this show explore the mostly untapped supernatural side of the 50 states and beyond!

    Tonight, in honor of the Mardi Gras season, we will be sharing one final scarf down before the fasting period with a beast from Louisiana.  Specifically, we will be exploring one of the most classic of legends, and of movie monsters.  That monster is none other than the humble werewolf.

    Indeed, for many centuries, stories have been told all over the world about these ordinary men turned beasts, often against the own will.  These beasts will often appear under the silvery moon and slaughter anything in their path, from livestock to innocent bystanders.  These stories have often been seen as a metaphor for the hidden evils of a person's heart, and serve as a warning of what may happen when this evil is unleashed.

    And the bayous of Louisiana have had their own distinct take on this often-shared legend.  A legend that has not only been used as a tale of caution but has often been seen as multiple other things.  These include as a guardian of nature, especially in recent years as more and more people have vowed to protect our fragile environment.  That beast goes by the name of the Rougarou.

    Much like its contemporaries, the Rougarou has often spent every dark night hunting for its prey and is said to strike fear into the hearts of even the strongest men.   And the Cajun and Creole people native to Louisiana have seemingly learned to co-exist with this ferocious beast, often being used as a form of social control over the unruly.  And like many of the cryptids we've discussed on this show, in recent years, the Rougarou has been embraced as part of the local culture of its home in Louisiana, especially in the region of Acadiana, where most of its infrequent sightings have happened.

    Compared to all of the other creatures we have looked at thus far, the Rougarou may be the closest to a legend, with very little documented sightings over the centuries.  However, it also has a longer history than much of our previous subjects, dating back to even before America was officially a country.  And perhaps it's time we learned about that history!

    So, put on your wetsuits and best Mardi Gras beads as we journey into the swamps of the Pelican State to look for the illusive-and terrifying-Rougarou.  Bon Appetit!

An Egregious Exchange Student

 

       Stories of the Rougarou actually start long before the U.S. was ever truly an independent country.  It's origins can be traced back to France during the Middle Ages, where it was originally known under the name of the loup-garou, which simply translated to "werewolf".  The very first report can specifically be traced back to the 12th century, where the creature was first described by poet Marie de France in her work "Lais de Marie de France."

    However, its legend wouldn't become very widespread in the general public until a few centuries later.  Specifically, during the 15th century, where it became the subject of multiple superstitions brought upon by the Catholic Church.  During that time-which eventually extended to a period of over 300 years-countless people were accused of being the beast and practicing witchcraft, Paganism, or other forbidden rituals, and were subsequently burned at the stake.  Those who were often came under fire (no pun intended) as the result of allegedly having abilities such as nature-based healing.

    One notable example of these executions came with the case of Pierre Bugot, a shepherd from the city of Besancon.  Bugot confessed to engaging in demonic practices due to being promised that his flock would be protected during horrible storms if he did.  He later performed a warlock ritual with Michel Verdun, a man who claimed to have previously been bitten by a wolf.  During the ritual, the two men used an ointment that reportedly caused hair similar to that of a wolf's to grow on their bodies.  Bugot also admitted to pursuing and attacking children.  Both he and Verdun were consequently burned at the stake.

    The legend of the Rougarou eventually made its way to its current home during the colonial times.  Here many French settlers made their way to present-day Louisiana, as well as the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.  They brought these tales with them, as well as the many superstitions involving the tale brought upon by the Catholic Church.

    Much of the legend eventually became intertwined with multiple legends from the Native Americans of the area, including the infamous Wendigo, and a Choctaw legend about a shapeshifting witch.  A lot of these stories were also used to discipline children into obedience, with parents telling unruly children that the Rougarou would get them if were to misbehave.  This practice would even continue to this day, with many Cajun households still using the Rougarou in order to prevent chaos in the household.

A Vicious Visage

    

    Physical descriptions of the Rougarou have changed over the years, owing to the cultural melting pot of Louisiana offering their own different spins on the tale.  However, the most commonly accepted depiction of the beast describes it as a humanoid figure with a canine head, capable of walking on both its hind legs and on all fours, often switching between the two positions as it pursues its prey.  Its eyes are said to be blood red and his claws and fangs razor sharp.  This depiction notably puts the Rougarou in the same tradition as one of our earlier subjects on Trippy Tales from the Backyard; The Beast of Bray Road!

    Stemming from retellings from the Native Americans of the area, some believe that the Rougarou may have the ability to shapeshift into other forms as well.  Some of his most common forms have included a pig or an owl, something that would seem to be rather useful in tracking down or deceiving prey.  They are often said to make their home in the swamps of Louisiana, but will also occasionally make their presence known in sugarcane fields near houses.

    Much like the werewolf and the wendigo, it has also been said that a man can be transformed into a Rougarou through certain means.  There's the old traditional way of getting bitten by one, but this version notably comes with its own twist.  It is said that if you were to bite someone else as a Rougarou, then the curse would be transferred, and you would turn back into a human.  Some have also said that witchcraft can be used in order to cure you of the Rougarou curse.

    However, there have been other, more strange methods to getting transformed into a Rougarou.  And many of these connect it with the Catholic faith that was suspicious of the beast existing in our society all those centuries ago.  It is said that those who were to break the traditions of Lent for seven straight years would be punished by being transformed into a Rougarou.  They would then be forced to wander the swamp for 101 days, after which they could return to normal.  

    Others still have noted that the one can also be transformed into a Rougarou if they hunted during holy days, or if they let the secret that they saw one get out.  A few have even claimed that the Rougarou can pass its curse via simply looking at people with its horrible, red eyes.

    There have also been several proposed weaknesses for the Rougarou.  Some have noted that the many different methods that could kill an animal would also kill the Rougarou just as easily.  Much like other werewolf-like legends, the Rougarou would also return to human form at daylight.

    However, perhaps the strangest weakness of the Rougarou ever discovered is the apparent fact that they can't count past twelve.  It is said that if you were to scatter thirteen or more small objects in the Rougarou's path, they would have to stop to count them all.  However, once they got past twelve, the Rougarou would get confused, and eventually return to human form.

Ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog

    However, was the Rougarou actually a true-blue creature of the night, or just a figment of paranoia?  Unfortunately, while there are still many people who have claimed to have had their own Rougarou encounter on the web, not many sightings have officially been documented.  Especially when compared to other creatures that have been discussed on this show thus far.  This has almost caused the Rougarou to become something more of a myth than an actual cryptid.

    One notable sighting was reported by cryptozoologist James Roberts in a blog post.  His report claimed that an unidentified fisherman came across a pair of red eyes while out on the bayou one night.  He attempted to shine his flashlight on whatever that pair of eyes belonged to, but the red eyes disappeared before he could get a good look.

    Another alleged sighting of the Rougarou was reported in 2022, when a Reddit poster shared a story to the r/Cryptids subreddit.  They were visiting a friend's house in the Houston River area and went outside one night to frog hunt.  Everything suddenly went quiet around the hunting, save for the sound of multiple bullfrogs diving into the water, as if running from something.  The Redditor then claims that they heard a growl and turned around to see what they described as "like a massive wolf with patchy black fur, yet no visible skin on its head, only a skull with empty eyes."  The Redditor said they killed their searchlights to hide, and the creature eventually went back into the woods.

    However, a lack of notable evidence and consistent appearances have caused several people to write of the Rougarou completely, with very little sightings being properly recorded and backed with evidence to this day.  Giving its historical ties to Catholic superstition, several people have also come to believe that the legend may merely just be that; a superstition.

    Plenty of people have also come to the conclusion that the Rougarou may have been a simple discipline tool used by the Catholic Church and by the Cajun people in general.  As noted before, many Cajun households would often use the Rougarou as a way to scare unruly children into obedience. Well, the Catholic Church, as we also know, would often use the legend of the Rougarou as a reminder to keep faithful during the time of Lent.  Much of the Catholic faith would condemn laziness of any kind, and the Rougarou legend was often used as a condemnation of such practices.

    However, as with all of our previous Trippy Tales, that hasn't stopped the Rougarou from being immortalized in both local Louisiana culture, and across the world via popular culture.

Every Dog has his Day

    In recent years, the Rougarou has gone on to have established a small, but very noticeable cult following amongst the cryptozoology community.  The creature's visage and name have gone on to be used in multiple commercial works throughout the pop cultural landscape throughout the years, often taking liberties with the tale.

    In literary circles, several stories have been inspired by the Rougarou, such as the 2019 novel Empire of Wild by author Cherie Dimaline, focusing on a woman from the Metis Indigenous Tribe searching for her lost husband, only to become entangled in an ever-escalating bevy of supernatural events.  They were also referenced in the Dresden Files series of novels by Jim Butcher.  They're even canonical to J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, in which several wands and other magical items are described as being made from the hair of the creature.

    A Rougarou also appears as a boss in the video game South of Midnight, here depicted as being more owl-like than wolf-like, a depiction that seemingly takes inspiration from the aforementioned descriptions of the beast by the local Native tribes of Louisiana.  Lightweight boxer Regis Prograis, who is of Creole decent, has also adopted the creature's name as an official nickname in the sports community.

    The Rougarou also appears to be quite the thrill ride nut, as his name has appeared on several roller coaster throughout the world.  One coaster can be found in Belgium at the Walibi Belgium them park.  In America, another named after the creature-this one of the floorless variety-can be found at Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio.

    And of course, much like a lot of cryptids, the Rougarou has been embraced by the state of Louisiana as an unofficial mascot.  In addition to being a common sight at recent Mardi Gras events in New Orleans, the image of the Rougarou has also been adopted by eco-activists, being used to raise awareness of environmental issues around its old stomping ground.  There's even a Rougarou Fest in the Louisiana city of Houma where these issues are discussed alongside live music and regional cuisine.

    "The festival is cool because it links folklore to current issues and things that people need to be aware of."  Nathan J. Rabalais, author of the folklore book Folklore Figures of French and Creole Louisiana says about the festival.  "Now, there are other things to be scared of, like rising water levels and hurricanes."

    There have even been a few children's books written about the Rougarou, such as Rougarou Stew written by Kat Pigott with illustrations by Mason Sibley.

Rock on, Rougarou!

     So, in the end, while the Rougarou may be a seldom seen creature in the cryptid world, it is still a beast with a truly long and fascinating history that is worth digging into.  It's a story that has transcended centuries and has overlapped with the cultures of multiple ethnic groups.  It has even changed its form multiple times, just as the world as continued to transform and change shape.

    The story can also be seen as the very definition of a true morality tale.  It serves as a reminder of the dangers of over-consumption and human greed, and a reminder for us to keep Holy on the most important of days.  And like many modern werewolf stories, it has also served as a reminder of the hidden dark nature of mankind, and what can happen if these hidden evils are unleashed.

    In recent years, it's distinctive legend and visage has also provided inspiration for many different strange creative projects, several of which have even been used for a good cause!  This has caused the Rougarou to become well-known to a whole new generation of supernatural enthusiasts, keeping this centuries-old legend alive.

    While the Rougarou's existence has yet to be either proven or disproven, its legacy is one that cannot be understated, especially in recent years.  A growing number of fascinated people have come to discover the legend as the years have passed, and it's become as much of an important cornerstone of The Pelican State as the jester masks and fatty foods of Mardi Gras.  In a way, it would seem like the whole world may have caught the curse of the Rougarou in a metaphorical sense!

    But what are your thoughts?  Were you familiar with the tale of the Rougarou prior to reading my article?  Are you a native of The Pelican State who grew up with the legend?  Do you have your own tale to share about a possible Rougarou sighting that the Internet should know about?  Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't be afraid to share this blog with family and friends on your preferred social media platform.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  And beware the light of the full moon!

    And with that, This Trippy Tale from the Backyard, has been finished, and this meeting, adjourned!

 

Sources:

Balsam, J. “The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover - Atlas Obscura.” Atlas Obscura, 19 Oct. 2022, www.atlasobscura.com/articles/rougarou-louisiana.

Cryptids, R. “R/Cryptids on Reddit: My Encounter with a Rougarou ‘Aka Louisiana Werewolf.’” Reddit, 2022, www.reddit.com/r/cryptids/comments/plnt4y/my_encounter_with_a_rougarou_aka_louisiana/.

LeCompte, L. “Rougarou: The Swamp Werewolf - Terrebonne Parish Library System.” Terrebonne Parish Library System, 21 Oct. 2022, mytpl.org/project/rougarou-the-swamp-werewolf/.

Price, A. “The Rougarou: From France to Louisiana.” Le Louisianais, 30 Oct. 2023, louisianais.com/en/culture/2023/10/30/the-rougarou-from-france-to-louisiana/.

Rabalais, N. “Rougarou.” 64 Parishes, 1 Aug. 2024, 64parishes.org/entry/rougarou.

Roberts, J. “Discover the Mysteries of the Rougarou Monster in Louisiana Folklore.” Hangar1 Publishing, 2024, hangar1publishing.com/blogs/cryptids/rougarou-monster?srsltid=AfmBOor9PNo5_ZGVf55HgVcC5NJL2PljsbIYdvcUGpOJkFscmUSVGEVz.

Rybarczy, T. “Discover the Mystery of Louisiana’s Rougarou.” The Happiness Function, 2 Aug. 2024, thehappinessfxn.com/louisiana-rougarou/.

Sheehan, J. “‘empire of Wild’ Tells a Small Story - but Not a Slight One.” NPR, NPR, 29 July 2020, www.npr.org/2020/07/29/896445003/empire-of-wild-tells-a-small-story-but-not-a-slight-one.

Swan, C. “South of Midnight’s Rougarou Is a Cautionary Tale of Bottling Emotions.” Game Rant, GameRant, 12 Apr. 2025, gamerant.com/south-of-midnight-rougarou-backstory-tragic-emotional-death/.

Vargas, R. “Eyeing World Title Shot, Boxer Regis Prograis Releases Emotional Video Touting His Ties to New Orleans.” The Advocate, 22 Feb. 2018, www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/article_06949696-17fa-11e8-a2ab-3bf1a5f1cd2f.html.

Cryptids Across The Atlas. “Rougarou: The Werewolf Curse of the Louisiana Bayou.” YouTube, YouTube, 23 Sept. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oUPXA98JsY&t=624s.