Author Archives: Ava Oliver

Jersey Devil

Story:

“There is one that I think only people from Jersey know that’s about the Jersey Devil. He was this guy born a long time ago, and he was the 13th child, which made him cursed. Over time he turned into this ugly creature and grew wings and hooves and stuff and he flew away from his home. People say he flies around in the forest in New Jersey and kills people.” 

Context:

My informant is from New Jersey and claims that this is a common local legend. He does not remember where he first heard this legend. He believes that most of his family is aware of the legend, and a handful of his friends from home would recognize it, too. 

Final Thoughts: 

This is an example of a legend closely associated with a specific location, allowing a group of people to connect over it. This legend also serves as a cautionary story, and could be used to warn people from venturing into dangerous forests. 

Bloody Mary

Story

“My favorite ghost story has to be the one about Bloody Mary. My mom would always tell me to stop looking in the mirror for so long growing up because Bloody Mary would jump out and pull me into the mirror. I also heard about it, though, at sleepovers growing up, and my friends would tell me that if you stand in front of the mirror and say her name three times, she would jump out and scratch your eyes out.”

Context:

My informant has heard this ghost story in two different settings. From her mother, she heard this legend as a warning to quit looking in the mirror. She heard a slightly different version at various sleepovers when she was younger, however, that suggested that you had to actively summon the ghost. My informant claims that doesn’t believe in this ghost story, but she still thinks about it sometimes when looking in the mirror. 

Final thoughts:

My informant’s relationship with this legend is proof of how legends can be twisted slightly when passed around. Despite minor discrepancies in the different Bloody Mary stories, they all share the common themes of fear and mirrors being used as portals. Her mother’s use of this legend shows how ghost stories can be used to warn children to obey their elders’ suggestions out of fear. 

Bell Witch

Story
“I’m from outside of Nashville Tennessee, and a few times growing up we went to this cave near our house called the Bell Witch cave, and it’s named after the Bell Witch, which is like a mix between a ghost and a curse. It’s based on the Bell family, whose house was haunted. In their house, they always heard strange noises and voices and things would fly off shelves and stuff.  The legend says there was a spirit who was angry with the father and wouldn’t leave until he was dead. When he died, everyone said the Bell Witch poisoned him. When you go to the cave, everyone says you can hear his voice or even see his shadow” 

When asked if they thought the Bell Witch was real, the informant said “I mean I went several times when I was little and I never saw or heard anything, so I don’t, but there are some people who swear on their lives that they’ve seen him, so who knows.”

Context

As previously mentioned, my informant grew up near the cave where this legend is based. This legend is common knowledge in the area where she is from, but she claims that she does not believe that the legend is true. 

Analysis
The Bell Witch is an example of a legend that is closely associated with local history and a specific geographic location. Because it is a ghost story, people’s belief in its legitimacy is often dependent on their experience in the cave. If they have been to the cave and witnessed paranormal activity, they would likely believe it to be true. Similar to my informant, however, if you have not seen or heard the ghost, it is likely difficult to believe it is real. 

The Man with the Gold Arm

Story:

“My favorite ghost story is about this man who had an arm made of gold, and after he died, someone stole it, so his ghost came back to haunt the town, searching for his arm. He would sneak into people’s houses late at night looking for it, so supposedly you would wake up to someone saying “where is my golden arm?”

Context:

My informant said she grew up going to camp in rural Texas, and a lot of the counselors would tell their cabins this story. My informant remembers being scared to go to sleep at camp when she was young. She would stay up and night listening for the man’s voice. 

Analysis: 

This ghost story is an example of legends passed around at camps through oral storytelling. It is about getting justice from beyond the grave and is designed to evoke fear. This legend could be used to teach a lesson about stealing. 

Pecos Bill

Story

“There’s this tale about a man named Pecos Bill who was a cowboy in Texas who fell out of a wagon and was raised by coyotes. He was real tough and would rope tornados with rattlesnakes. Some people say he created the Rio Grande, but I can’t remember how they say he did it.” 

Context

My informant is from Texas and heard this tale from his dad who grew up on a ranch in rural Texas. He claims his dad would often compare things to Pecos Bill by saying something like, “You are tougher than Pecos Bill.” 

Final Thoughts

This tale seems to reflect a lot of local hobbies and values. The association of Texas culture with bull riding, lassos, tornados, and acting tough allows this tale to be relevant in this state. As my informant mentioned, his father would often allude to Pecos Bill in everyday speech. He likely would not have been able to do this outside of Texas, as his audience likely would not be familiar with this tale.