Wampas Origin Cherokee Indians Storyteller's Cabin
- The Wampas Mask Origin
"The Wampas Mask" is one version of a popular legend told throughout
East Tennessee. For years, people have been reporting sightings of a large,
frightening wildcat that walks on its hind legs, known locally as the "Wampas
Cat" (also spelled "Wampus").The legend of the Wampas Cat began with the Cherokee Indians who originally settled this part of the country. Cherokee folklore is filled with tales of evil spirits lurking in the deep, dark forests that surrounded their villages. One story in particular told how Great Fellow, a brave Cherokee warrior, ventured into the forest to slay an evil demon called the "Ewah" that had been terrorizing his village. He returned in a disheveled, crazed state, leaving his beautiful wife, Running Deer, a virtual widow.
Running Deer went out to confront the Ewah wearing a magical mask made from the preserved face of a wildcat. As in our story, Running Deer scared the Ewah away and, from that point onward, took on the responsibility of confronting any forest demons that threatened her village. Some believe that the Wampas Cat sighted in modern day Tennessee is, in fact, the spirit of Running Deer.
Most sightings of the Wampas Cat have taken place in the deep mountain woods, although there have been recent sightings in cities such as Chattanooga and Knoxville. The creature has been described as being over four feet tall, with huge eyes, enormous paws and tiger-like stripes. The creature is never seen in the daytime.
Whether the Wampas Cat is really the spirit of Running Deer, an escaped circus animal, or perhaps the evil Ewah himself remains a mystery to this day. As they used to say on a certain TV series - believe it or not!
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