The Rougarou is Watching You!
Feb 7th, 2009 | By admin | Category: Events, Popular
The legend of the Rougarou has been told to children of all generations. “If you’re bad, the Rougarou will come from the swamps to get you.” My Grandpa would mention it when we were at our camp in Mermentau Cove when I’d start acting up. The story of some werewolf creature coming out of the swamp to “get me” was plenty enough to settle me down, at least for a little while. Just recently I came across some other Rougarou legends.
The Rougarou Legend with a Catholic Twist
As we transition from “the ridiculous” in this Mardi Gras season to the sublime during lent, the legend of the Rougarou rears it’s head again. According Catholic legend in Acadiana, the wolf-like beast will hunt down and kill Catholics who do not follow the rules of Lent. Yikes. Does this mean that if you indulge whatever you give up for lent that the Rougarou will come out of the swamps, hunt you down and, well you know…? Sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it? Remember this when you reach for that piece of chocolate you promised to give up.
Native American Rugaru
The jury hasn’t really come to a verdict on this one. There are some differing stories that claim the Native American version of this mythical being is Sasquatch-like and roams through the wilderness. Supposedly It’s sort of an isolated, earthy existence that would be miserable to many people. The myth states that if you see one of these creatures, you’ll be transformed into a Rugaru and take on the same lonely life.
In short, behave!
Whether you’re a child in the bayou of Louisiana, someone considering breaking the rules of Lent, or a Native American who fears a life of solitude, be sure to avoid the Rougarou/Rugaru at all costs.
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we always called it a “loup garoux” (loo-ga-roo).
Hey Barry,
Thanks for bringing this up. In my family we used both Rougarou and Loup Garoux. I’m not sure if it was a generation thing or a regional thing (because I can’t remember who used which version). My Grandpa, who lived in Opelousas but grew up in Riceville, used the term Rougarou. I think my mom uses loup garoux… like you.
Hiya Barry,
Thanks so much for the comment you left. It truly made me smile. Just as you, I always was scared of the “loup garoux” (loo-ga-roo).
We also called them ty-tys – meaning scary creatures out in the woods and swamps. Everyone was always on the alert of a ty-ty when nightfall came, but when we opened the windows at my Grandparents house and always saw the beautiful fire-flies, we knew there was no need to worry any longer. They were my fairies.
Thanks so much for your comment.
Judy
OH, I loved my grandpa’s stories of the rougarou. When at his camp in Dulac, at night he’d shine his flashlight on the woods behind the camp and when it reflected on the rabbit’s eyes, he’d tell us “see, the Rougarou is out there, if you’re not good he’ll come get you , he knows when u bad”. Grandpa’s been dead for 21 years this month and I remember this like it was yesterday. Thanks for this wonderful site to keep Cajun alive.
Oh how I celebrated when I read this! Although I grew up in Crowley, I had not heard the word rougarou until I lived in New Iberia for a short time. I’ve been livng in Texas now for 11 years, and I have asked so many people about the ty ty that the girls in New Iberia often referred to – no one could tell me his name, although I was CERTAIN that I had not made this up! FINALLY you have solved my mystery – thank you so much for keeping our culture alive!
My family on the Isle used to say the Rugaru would come get me if I hunted too much.”If you take more than your share,the swamp will send the Rugaru after you” I always saw it as a protector of the land instead of some wild beast.
That’s right, Barry. The correct spelling is “loup-garou” which translates into werewolf, of course.