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An Introduction to Appalachian Folklore Origin
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The First Documentation of the Brown Mountain Lights
In 1771 German Scientist de Brahm said that "The mountains emit nitrous vapors which are borne by the wind and when laden winds meet each other the niter inflames, sulfates and deteriorates," however this statement was quickly debunked by other scientific theories. This paragraph summarizes a common Appalachian theme of outsiders trying to explain what they couldn’t comprehend, which is why the tale that floats around today about the lights was the original story told by the Cherokee. -
First Documentation of the Moon-eyed People
Although published in 1797, according to this book the Moon-eyed people are believed to be of Welsh origin, settling in America around 1170, given their name not because they were pale skinned with large blue eyes (according to the myth), but because they lived underground and could only be seen in the dark. The legend now stands that after the Cherokee pushed the Moon-eyed people out, they moved west never to be seen again. -
The Original Woodcut of the Bell House Prior to Hauntings
This Woodcut depicts the Bell estate before the chaos and unexplainable occurrences spawned courtesy of the infamous Bell Witch. The general consensus that the Bells and public concluded was that the Bell Witch’s goal was to kill John Bell. This story, while cautionary of disrupting lingering presences, was also a coping mechanism for the people of Appalachia to believe in something that they couldn’t explain in the physical world. -
Discovery of the Moon-eyed Statue
Some of the most compelling evidence of the Moon-eyed people’s existence is this statue, found at the confluence of the Valley and Hiwassee Rivers in the early 1800’s. Although the statue currently stands in the Cherokee County Historical Museum, many historians have accredited it to be a depiction of the Moon-eyed people, and when archeologists came to look at it, they dated the statue to be pre-Cherokee, enhancing the existence of these odd settlers. -
The Haunting of the Bell Witch First Real Documentation
Although the original haunting took place from 1817-1820, the incident didn’t appear in the paper until nearly a century later, in 1894. The time passed between the original haunting and the publishings represent the societal and cultural impact that the Bell Witch had on Appalachian society. Although referred to as a “mystery” here in the paper, no Appalachian folk ever cared to solve it. Instead, they used the Witch as a way to connect their world to that of the unknown. -
Most Recent Documentation of the Brown Mountain Lights
This composite image of several photos shows the most recent documented sighting of the Brown Mountain lights from 2014. To this day, scientists and students are still trying to explain the phenomenon, however, Warren sheds light to the fact that Appalachian folk now don’t have the spiritual belief that they used to, and current people of the mountains “need an explanation” for everything, further progressing the notion of the modern Appalachian fear of the unknown and invisible world. -
Modern Appalachian Folklore
Appalachian folklore represents a vibrant layout of cultural exchange, survival, and imagination. These stories reflect the region’s deep connection to their Native American history. More than just entertainment, these legends offered guidance, preserved history, and reinforced the values of resilience, community, and respect for the unknown. Even today, Appalachian folklore continues to captivate, reminding us of the power of storytelling to shape identity and connect generations across time.