The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE TALE OF THE HODAG

A LUMBERJACK IN RHINELANDER, WISCONSIN MADE UP THIS TALE. HE, WHILE
IN THE WOODS DEVELOPED AN IMAGENARY ( IMAGINARY ) MONSTER. WHEN HE
TOLD THE PEOPLE IN THE TOWN, THEY DIDN"T BELIEVE HIM, SO HE GOT A
BEARSKIN, TUSKS, AND HORNS AND MADE THE MONSTER. HE PUT IT IN A CAVE
AND CALLED THE TOWNFOLK OUT TO SEE IT. THEY BELIEVED HIM FROM THEN
ON. PEOPLE FROM A MUSEUM CAME AND DISCOVERED THE HOAX. THE TOWN STILL
USES THE HODAG AS ITS MASCOT.

Where learned: OHIO ; Norwalk

Keyword(s): LOCAL LEGEND

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR