Program

Legends & Lore®

Subject

Folklore, Legend

Location

Valhi Blvd, Houma, LA 70360, USA

Lat/Long

29.581750780239, -90.728180394652

Grant Recipient

South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center

The Rougarou, a werewolf-like creature associated with the Cajun culture of southern Louisiana, is rooted in French tradition. In Medieval France, these beasts were called loup-garous, the French phrase for werewolf. Loup-garous were blamed for mysterious events and crimes like kidnappings. They became a fear-based, cautionary tale for children who did not listen to their parents. Children were told that if they refused to follow their parents’ orders, a loup-garou would come and steal them at night. When the French migrated to the southern United States, they carried this folktale with them. The monster evolved with Cajun culture and became known as the Rougarou. In Louisiana lore, the Rougarou is said to be a cursed human who has committed a sin or transgression, and as punishment, they are transformed into a werewolf, typically during a full moon. Some say that the Rougarou is under a 101-day curse, unless they can pass it to another person by drawing blood. The creature is thought to prowl the swamplands of southern Louisiana at night and terrorize those who venture too far from home. Some believe that the Rougarou can be warded off by certain rituals, like using protective charms or saying prayers. The legendary monster is still passed down across generations and embedded in the rich folklore of the Terrebonne Parish.