Goatman (urban legend)
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According to urban legend, Goatman is a creature resembling a goat-human hybrid often credited with canine deaths and purported to take refuge in the woods of Prince George's County, Maryland, United States.[1][2]
History
In May of 1971,
While Goatman stories originated in the early 1970s, some of its legends are set in the late 1930s, within Prince George's County, following the disappearances and/or deaths of multiple dogs, which were later attributed to the creature. However, given the condition of the remains, the deaths may more likely have been the result of passing trains.[1] Despite evidence to the contrary, stories of Goatman's existence continued to circulate, especially among local students. Go By Graffiti reading, "Goatman was here," were not uncommon,[3] and law enforcement would habitually receive calls of reported sightings, albeit with a number being pranks.[1]
The creature was commonly claimed to have a human face but with a body covered in hair. However, descriptions differed on whether Goatman greatly resembled a hairy humanoid or a human with the lower portion of a goat, similar to the fauns of Greek mythology.[1][3]
As well, Goatman was rumored to reside in a makeshift shelter in the wooded region of northeastern Prince George's County near the abandoned trailer parks. Occasionally, it was rumored that Goatman would venture out to kill any living thing such as animals, humans, etc .[1]
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Variations
According to some variations of the legend, Goatman is said to have once been a scientist, Dr. Stephen Fletcher, who worked in the
According to
See also
- Satyr/Faun
- Pope Lick Monster (Kentucky's "Goat-Sheepman")
- Lake Worth Monster (Texas Goatman)
- Old Alton Bridge (Goatman's Bridge)
References
- ^ a b c d e f Goldman, Ivan (December 12, 1971). "Legend of Goatman Survives Despite Lack of Evidence". The Austin American. Austin, Texas. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ )
- ^ ISBN 0385032676.
- ^ ghostsofdc (November 3, 2023). "The Maryland Goatman: An Enduring Legend of the Old Line State". Ghosts of DC. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ Aratani, Lori (October 26, 2008). "The Keeper of Local Haunted Lore". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 31, 2011.
- ^ Wright, Andy (September 16, 2013). "Maryland's Goatman Is Half Man, Half Goat, and Out for brains". Modern Farmer. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
- ^ Reel, Monte (November 8, 2000). "Famed Goatman Forever Held In Dusty Room". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved August 31, 2011.