By request- the Legend of the Jersey Devil
The legend of the Jersey Devil is part of the folklore here in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, where I live.
The Pine Barrens
This legend dates back to 1735 when a woman named Mrs. Leeds was pregnant with her thirteenth child while living in what is commonly known as the" Shrouds House" in Leeds Point, NJ.
Birthplace of the Devil
Disgusted by having yet another pregnancy, she cursed and said "The devil take this child!" .
When the child was born, it looked normal enough and she had forgotten the curse she made- but it soon mutated into a hideous beast and flew up the chimney.
The first known drawing of the Jersey Devil
Throughout the 1700's and 1800's, there were numerous tales told of encounters with the Jersey devil saying that he did all sorts of mysterious things- from just running around, to eating livestock, to stealing children.
As the 1900's dawned, the sitings became less frequent. But even up until modern times, there's still the occasional person that goes into the area of New Jersey called the Pine Barrens (it's a national reserve) that says they've seen the infamous Jersey Devil. Among those throught history who have seen him have been several Cival War vetrans, teachers, writers and other respected members of society (as well as some just plain weirdos =) ).
Whether or not we believe in the Jersey Devil, it is still an intresting part of the folklore of South Jersey. It contains several archetypical superstitions (The number thirteen, for one ) that are common in legends througout the world. Intresting to note is that there is a Leeds Point in the Pine Barrens, and a Jimmy Leeds Road. Also, there are many members of the Leeds family who appear in historical doccuments. I've never seen the actual first name of Mrs. Leeds meantioned, or the name of the child who supposedly was born as the Jersey Devil.
If you are intrested, read more about this here:
The Jersey Devil [Fact or Fiction]
Variations of the legend
Jersey Devil Hunters, E-Greetings, Accounts and Encounters- more
Jersey Devil Playstation Game
Jersey Devil on the X-Files
The Pine Barrens
This legend dates back to 1735 when a woman named Mrs. Leeds was pregnant with her thirteenth child while living in what is commonly known as the" Shrouds House" in Leeds Point, NJ.
Birthplace of the Devil
Disgusted by having yet another pregnancy, she cursed and said "The devil take this child!" .
When the child was born, it looked normal enough and she had forgotten the curse she made- but it soon mutated into a hideous beast and flew up the chimney.
The first known drawing of the Jersey Devil
Throughout the 1700's and 1800's, there were numerous tales told of encounters with the Jersey devil saying that he did all sorts of mysterious things- from just running around, to eating livestock, to stealing children.
As the 1900's dawned, the sitings became less frequent. But even up until modern times, there's still the occasional person that goes into the area of New Jersey called the Pine Barrens (it's a national reserve) that says they've seen the infamous Jersey Devil. Among those throught history who have seen him have been several Cival War vetrans, teachers, writers and other respected members of society (as well as some just plain weirdos =) ).
Whether or not we believe in the Jersey Devil, it is still an intresting part of the folklore of South Jersey. It contains several archetypical superstitions (The number thirteen, for one ) that are common in legends througout the world. Intresting to note is that there is a Leeds Point in the Pine Barrens, and a Jimmy Leeds Road. Also, there are many members of the Leeds family who appear in historical doccuments. I've never seen the actual first name of Mrs. Leeds meantioned, or the name of the child who supposedly was born as the Jersey Devil.
If you are intrested, read more about this here:
The Jersey Devil [Fact or Fiction]
Variations of the legend
Jersey Devil Hunters, E-Greetings, Accounts and Encounters- more
Jersey Devil Playstation Game
Jersey Devil on the X-Files