   MothmanAppalachian Folklore and West Virginia LegendAn Appalachian legend and mystery: Mothman is a winged creature with glowing red eyes, first reported in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1966. Witnesses described it as man-sized or larger, with wings that spread like a giant bird, appearing around the time of the Silver Bridge disaster. Hillbilly Dude Says...  Mothman is nothin' I ever wanna see. OriginThe first widely reported sightings came in November 1966, when gravediggers claimed to see a huge winged figure flying overhead. Within days, couples and townsfolk reported similar encounters near the old TNT plant outside Point Pleasant. The creature was soon dubbed "Mothman" by local newspapers.
NotesEven today, Point Pleasant celebrates the legend with an annual Mothman Festival, drawing visitors from all over the country. Locals tell the story as both a cautionary tale and a badge of Appalachian identity. Mothman has appeared in books, documentaries, and even Hollywood films, but in the hills of West Virginia, it remains a tale passed down like any other piece of folklore. LegacyMothman is now one of Appalachia’s most famous legends. The Mothman Museum and statue in Point Pleasant make the creature part of daily life in the region. For some, it’s just a curious bit of local color; for others, it’s a genuine mystery tied to unexplained events. Either way, the Mothman has become a permanent figure in Appalachian and American folklore. DislaimerAll folklore shared here is part of Southern tradition and storytelling. It's not medical, legal, or practical advice - just the way our grandparents told it. Believe it or not, that's up to you.Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |
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