Folk Lore: Rougarou

Folk Lore

The Rougarou

Origins of the Rougarou • In French called ‘Loup-Garous’ which mean werewolf • The French Catholics claimed you would be turned into a Loup-garou if you didn’t follow the rules of

Lent for 7 consecutive years • When the French migrated to the southern United States they took the legend with them • Legend has changed to match the

Cajun dialect -> name changed from Loup-garou to Rougarou

Legends of the Rougarou • Cajun legend says that the beast hunts down Catholics who don’t follow the rules of Lent • Another telling of the story says that the Rougarou is under a 101-

Shared By: Brittanica

day curse, unless the affected person can transfer the curse to another human being. Their curse usually comes from a local witch, sometimes a voodoo priestess.

Fun Fact!

Can’t count past the number 12 It is said that you can protect yourself against the Rougarou by laying 13 small objects by your doors Apparently, when a person changes into a Rougarou they forget how to count past 12.

General Habitat Preferences

• Lower Elevation • Marsh/Swamp Areas • Low Population Areas

Threats

• Cities • Fire

WHOS THE ROUGAROU?

The “Rougarou” is a creature who’s half man and half wolf. His face and upper body look like a wolf, but he walks upright like a man. Oh, and he’s really hairy. And mean.

His name comes from the phrase “loup-garou,” which combines the French words for “wolf” and “man who transforms into an animal.” These days, most people call him

Folk Lore

The Rougarou Continued

Rougarou, but you’ll still hear the term “loup- garou” within more French-speaking Cajun communities. The terms are interchangeable, but we like the way “Rougarou” just rolls off your tongue.

WHAT’S HE DOING?

Most legends say that the Rougarou is under a spell; some report that it lasts for 101 days, others say it’s for a year and a day. Either way, during this time he’s out to get others and suck their blood, curing himself but turning his victims into werewolves along the way.

WHY IS HE OUT THERE?

The Cajun culture is one with tight ties to the Catholic church; in past centuries it was said that the Rougarou was searching for people who didn’t observe Lent.

Cajun families have also told their kids about the Rougarou for generations, using his presence to make children behave and keep them away from dangerous areas near their homes.

WHEN DOES HE APPEAR?

By day the Rougarou looks just like any other man, though he probably appears sickly and isn’t inclined to give you a straight answer if you ask him what’s wrong. Being a Rougarou is something you’re supposed to keep secret. But at night, all bets are off: that weird wolf head emerges and he goes out looking for trouble.

WHERE MIGHT YOU FIND HIM?

Cajun legend tells us that the Rougarou is most often found wandering in the swamps of southeastern Louisiana or lurking in the region’s many sugar cane fields, which are being harvested at this time of year.

It’s probably no coincidence that the two places that are most dangerous for kids growing up in this region are, in fact, swamps and sugar fields.

HOW DO YOU AVOID HIM?

When the Rougarou comes to get you, he’ll start counting and will be confounded by that thirteenth object. He’ll have to start his count over and over again, until eventually the sun comes up and he must slink back to the swamps without claiming another victim.

On the last weekend of each October, the Louisiana town of Houma hosts a “Rougarou Fest,” which features a parade, costume contests (for adults, kids and pets), live music and plenty of street vendors. The event is held to raise awareness about and money for coastal protection and restoration, ensuring that the Rougarou and all residents of the region can continue to enjoy Louisiana’s rich natural resources.