Local Legends ·

Discovering Delaware's Daunting Cryptids

By Wade Beaumont, Cryptozoologist and Park Ranger

Delaware: A small state with a big cryptid presence

Howdy, folks! Wade Beaumont here, and let me tell you, when it comes to cryptids, size don't matter none. Take Delaware, for instance. It may be one of the smallest states in the Union, but it's got a cryptid presence that'd make Bigfoot himself sit up and take notice. This unassuming little state is chock-full of mysterious creatures, each with its own unique brand of menace.

The allure of cryptids and their enduring legends

Now, I've been fascinated by cryptids since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, thanks to my granddaddy's tales of strange beasts roaming the Texas hills. There's just something about these legendary creatures that captures the imagination and refuses to let go. Maybe it's the thrill of the unknown, the idea that there are still mysteries out there waiting to be unraveled. Or maybe it's the way these stories connect us to our past, to the folklore and legends that have been passed down through generations.

Unveiling the mysterious world of Delaware's cryptids

Whatever the reason, I've made it my mission to uncover the truth behind these cryptid tales. And let me tell you, Delaware's got some doozies. From the mischievous Pukwudgie to the terrifying Mhuwe, this state's cryptids are as diverse as they are daunting. So sit back, grab a cold one, and join me as we unmask the menacing monsters that lurk in the shadows of the First State.

The Pukwudgie: Mischievous Trickster of the Forests

Origins in Wampanoag folklore

Our first stop on this cryptid adventure takes us to the realm of the Pukwudgies. Now, these little fellas have been around for a long time, with roots stretching back to the Wampanoag people. The Wampanoag have called this land home for thousands of years, and their folklore is rich with tales of the Pukwudgie.

Physical description and characteristics

So, what exactly is a Pukwudgie? Well, imagine a small, grey-skinned humanoid, standing about knee-high. They've got oversized heads, big ears, and noses that'd put a pug to shame. But don't let their size fool you. These little tricksters are known for their magical abilities and their love of mischief.

Magical abilities and shapeshifting powers

You see, Pukwudgies are said to have all sorts of supernatural powers. They can appear and disappear at will, like they're playing some sort of cosmic game of peek-a-boo. And if that wasn't enough, they can also shapeshift into animals. One minute you're looking at a porcupine, the next it's a Pukwudgie laughing at your confusion.

Interactions with humans: friend or foe?

Now, the relationship between Pukwudgies and humans is a bit of a mixed bag. Some stories paint them as friendly guides, helping lost travelers find their way. But others, well, let's just say you wouldn't want to cross a Pukwudgie on a bad day. They can be downright nasty when they want to be, playing tricks and leading folks astray.

The Pukwudgie's exile and hostility towards humans

Legend has it that the Pukwudgies weren't always so ornery. They used to be on good terms with the Wampanoag. But something happened, something that soured that relationship real quick. Some say it was jealousy, that the Pukwudgies couldn't stand the bond between the Wampanoag and their chief, Maushop. Whatever the reason, Maushop ended up exiling the Pukwudgies, scattering them to the four winds. And ever since then, they've had a bit of a chip on their shoulder when it comes to humans.

The Prime Hook Swamp Creature: Enigma of the Wetlands

The elusive beast of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Moving on from the forests, we come to the wetlands of Delaware, where another cryptid makes its home. The Prime Hook Swamp Creature is a real head-scratcher, an enigma wrapped in a mystery. This elusive beast is said to lurk in the depths of the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling expanse of marshland along the Delaware Bay.

Helen J.'s account: a detailed sighting

Now, sightings of this creature are about as rare as hen's teeth, but there's one account that stands out. A woman by the name of Helen J. claims to have seen the beast up close and personal. According to Helen, the creature stood about two and a half to three feet tall, with long, spindly legs and a tan body. But it's the face that really gets you. Helen described it as flat and pug-like, with small, beady eyes that seemed to bore right into your soul.

Corroborating witnesses: daughter and local store owner

Now, you might be thinking, "Wade, that's just one person's story. Could be nothing more than a tall tale." But here's the thing. Helen's daughter and a local store owner both claim to have seen the creature too. The daughter even had a run-in with the beast a year before her mama's sighting. And the store owner, well, she's been living in these parts her whole life. If she says she saw something strange in the swamp, I'm inclined to believe her.

Theories: short spine syndrome or unknown creature?

So, what could this Prime Hook Swamp Creature be? Some folks reckon it might be a critter with short spine syndrome, a condition that can cause all sorts of skeletal deformities. It's been known to affect canines, giving them a strange, almost alien appearance. But others, myself included, think there might be more to this story. Could be we're dealing with a creature that science ain't even got a name for yet.

The mystery deepens: Helen J.'s disappearance

And then there's the matter of Helen J. herself. After she came forward with her story, she up and vanished. Just disappeared without a trace. Now, I ain't one to speculate, but you gotta admit, that's mighty peculiar. Makes you wonder if maybe, just maybe, the Prime Hook Swamp Creature had something to do with it.

The Selbyville Swamp Monster: Legend, Hoax, or Something More?

Early 20th-century origins of the legend

Shifting gears, we come to another of Delaware's infamous cryptids, the Selbyville Swamp Monster. This legend goes back a long way, with roots stretching into the early 20th century. Folks have been telling tales of a strange creature lurking in the Great Cypress Swamp for generations.

The Burnt Swamp Monster: an alternate name

Now, some folks call this critter the Burnt Swamp Monster, on account of a big fire that tore through the swamp back in the 1930s. They say the blaze changed the creature, made it meaner and more twisted than before. But whether you call it the Selbyville Swamp Monster or the Burnt Swamp Monster, one thing's for sure: this is one cryptid you don't want to tangle with.

Incidents attributed to the monster

Over the years, all sorts of strange happenings have been laid at the feet of the Selbyville Swamp Monster. Livestock gone missing, pets vanishing into thin air, even hunters being chased out of the swamp by something they couldn't quite see. It's like this creature has been the bogeyman of the Great Cypress Swamp for as long as anyone can remember.

Varying descriptions: bipedal and hairy or ghostlike

But here's where things get a bit muddled. You see, descriptions of the Selbyville Swamp Monster are all over the map. Some say it's a big, hairy beast that walks on two legs. Others claim it's more ghostlike, a spectral figure that fades in and out of the mist. It's like trying to nail down a shadow, if you ask me.

The 1960s hoax: boosting newspaper sales

Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the big hoax that went down in the 1960s. Seems a couple of fellas thought they'd have a bit of fun and drum up some business for the local paper. They started spreading tales of the Selbyville Swamp Monster, even going so far as to fake some sightings. And for a while there, it worked. Folks were talking about the monster more than ever, and the newspaper was selling like hotcakes.

Believers' perspective: the legend predates the hoax

But here's the thing. Just because those two yahoos pulled a fast one doesn't mean the legend of the Selbyville Swamp Monster is all bunk. Believers will tell you that the stories go back a lot further than the 1960s. They'll point to all the strange happenings in the swamp over the years, the sightings and encounters that can't be explained away by a couple of hoaxers. And who's to say they're wrong? In my line of work, you learn real quick that just because something's been debunked once doesn't mean there isn't a grain of truth to it.

The Mhuwe: Lenape Ice Giant of Folklore

Similarities to the Wendigo legend

Shifting gears once again, we come to a cryptid that's a bit less well-known than some of the others we've talked about, but no less fascinating. The Mhuwe is a creature straight out of Lenape folklore, a towering ice giant with a hunger for human flesh. Now, if that sounds familiar, it's because the Mhuwe bears more than a passing resemblance to another legendary creature, the Wendigo.

Unique characteristics of the Mhuwe

But while the Wendigo and the Mhuwe might share some similarities, there are some key differences too. For one thing, the Mhuwe is specifically associated with the Lenape people, while the Wendigo crops up in the folklore of several different Native American tribes. And then there's the matter of size. The Mhuwe is often described as an ice giant, towering over the trees and dwarfing any human unlucky enough to cross its path.

Transformation through cannibalism or madness

Another key aspect of the Mhuwe legend is the idea of transformation. You see, the Lenape believed that a person could become a Mhuwe by engaging in cannibalism or by going mad from the cold. It's like the ultimate cautionary tale, a warning against giving in to your darkest impulses.

Associations with starvation, sin, and the cold

And that's not all. The Mhuwe is also closely associated with starvation, sin, and the bitter cold of winter. It's like this creature embodies all the worst things that can happen to a person, all the ways that the harsh realities of life can twist and warp the human spirit.

Possibility of reverting to human form

But here's the thing. Some Lenape stories suggest that a Mhuwe can be transformed back into a human, if it's shown kindness and compassion. It's like there's always a chance for redemption, even for a creature as fearsome as the Mhuwe. And I don't know about you, but I find that idea mighty compelling.

The Lewes Merman: Mummified Mystery

The merman's origins: a sea captain's gift

Next up, we've got a cryptid that's a bit different from the others we've talked about. The Lewes Merman isn't a creature that's been spotted roaming the wilds of Delaware. No, this cryptid is a mummified specimen, a curiosity that's been on display in the town of Lewes for longer than most folks can remember. The story goes that the merman was a gift from a sea captain to the Lewes family back in the 1800s.

Description of the mummified specimen

Now, I've seen pictures of this thing, and let me tell you, it's a sight to behold. It's got the body of a fish, all scaly and shimmering, but the arms and head of a man. And the face, well, it's frozen in this expression of pure agony, like it's letting out a silent scream for all eternity. It's the stuff of nightmares, I tell you.

The Lewes family's century-long possession

The Lewes family held onto this mummified merman for over a century, passing it down from generation to generation. It was like their own little family secret, a macabre heirloom that they kept hidden away from prying eyes.

Community effort to preserve the merman

But then, in the 1980s, the last of the Lewes family passed away, and the fate of the merman was suddenly up in the air. That's when the town of Lewes stepped in. They raised money to buy the merman and keep it on display in the local museum. It was like the whole community came together to preserve this piece of their history, as strange and unsettling as it might be.

Theories: genuine merman or 19th-century hoax?

But of course, not everyone believes that the Lewes Merman is the real deal. Some folks think it's nothing more than a clever hoax, a bit of 19th-century hucksterism designed to separate gullible sailors from their hard-earned cash. They point to the fact that mermaids and mermen were a popular subject of sideshows and curiosity cabinets back in the day, and that many of these specimens were later revealed to be fakes, cobbled together from bits and pieces of different animals.

But others, myself included, aren't so quick to dismiss the Lewes Merman. Sure, it might be a hoax, but what if it's not? What if there really are creatures out there that blur the line between human and fish, that call the depths of the ocean their home? It's a tantalizing thought, and one that keeps me up at night.