Come one, come all and check out Delaware cryptids. Delaware maybe a small state, but it sure didn’t disappoint in cryptids! Some of these cryptids come from some more Native American folklore from the Native Americans from the Delaware area.
Without Further Ado, Lets Get Into Delaware Cryptids:
Pukwudgie
The pukwudgie is a cryptid from the Native American folklore of the Wampanoag people. It is said to be a small, grey-skinned humanoid creature with a large, bulbous head, large ears, and a mischievous, trickster-like personality. Pukwudgies are said to haunt forests and swamps in the northeastern United States, particularly in the state of Delaware. Descriptions of pukwudgies vary, but they are generally said to be small, gray-skinned, humanoid creatures between two and three feet tall. They have a large, bulbous head, large ears, and a wide, flat nose.
Some accounts describe them as having long, scrawny limbs, while others describe them as having short, chubby limbs. Pukwudgies are said to be able to disappear and reappear at will, and they are known for their mischievous behavior. Pukwudgies are said to be able to cast spells and curses on humans, and they are also said to be able to shoot arrows of magical energy. They are also said to be able to shapeshift into other animals, such as wolves and bears. Pukwudgies are said to be found in forests and swamps in the northeastern United States, particularly in the state of Delaware.
They are said to haunt wild, desolate places where humans rarely venture, and they are said to be shy of humans. In some Native American folklore, pukwudgies are seen as friendly spirits who can be helpful to humans if treated with respect. In other stories, they are seen as mischievous tricksters who like to play pranks on humans. They are often said to be very territorial and will attack humans if provoked. The pukwudgie is a fascinating cryptid with a mysterious history.
Prime Hook Swamp Creature
This creature is said to be located in the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Prime Hook is located on the western shore of Delaware Bay. The creature has been described as being 2 ½ – 3 feet tall, long legs, tan body, long tail, and a flat puggish face with small ears. It looked to be about 30 pounds.
The most well known sighting was from a lady known as Helen J. on about.com. She claimed that her daughter had seen a year before in the same area as well as another lady who owned a store nearby had seen the creature as well. Though, Helen J. never returned to the site to elaborate more on if it walked on 4 or 2 legs and other specifics.
Some believe it could have been a dog, wolf, or coyote with short spine syndrome. Some wonder if something with the short spine syndrome could actually survive in the wild with that kind of disability as it would be a challenge to get food and defend itself. What do you think? Is this a creature that is hiding in the refuge or do you think it is a canine with short spine syndrome or something else entirely?
The Burnt Swamp Monster/Selbyville Swamp Monster
The legends are said to have started in the early part of the 20th century. A story of a monster wandering the Great Cypress Swamp (aka The Burnt Swamp). Officially dubbed both the name the Selbyville Swamp Monster and the Burnt Swamp Monster. The monster was blamed for many things like the death of livestock, missing pets, and even chasing away hunters. The description of the creature varies widely from being a bipedal and hairy creature to others describing it more ghostlike.
The peak of the Selbyville Swamp Monster legend happened in the 1960s. When the reports of the creature came pouring into the newspaper outlets. Though these sightings were proved to be a hoax created by two men to create newspaper sales. Some still believe the monster is real and that the hoax marred the story of the Selbyville Swamp Monster. Some still ask the question: how could the whole thing be a hoax if it originated in the 20th century?
Mhuwe
There isn’t much known about the Mhuwe other than they are very similar to a Wendigo. The Mhuwe is a legend from the Lenape tribes. One of the differences they have to a Wendigo is that they are ice giants. If a person gets turned into one, in some legends, they can be turned back into human. How might someone turn into one? Well, if you were to partake in cannibalism one way or another is to go mad from the cold. This terrifying creature has always been associated with starvation, cannibalism, and sin. I couldn’t find too much on this creature, but I thought it was a very interesting creature from the Lenape tribes. If you know more about them let me know about it down below!
Lewes Merman
The mummified corpse of this merman is located in the Zwaanendael Museum in the city of Lewes. The piece was given to the Lewes family in the 1800s by a sea captain. The merman has a fish-like body and tail with a humanoid arms and head. The mouth is wide open with little teeth. The Lewes family kept it in their possession for a century before loaning it to the museum. The last of the Lewes family died in 1985. This put the fate of the mummified merman into the hands of the community.
The community came up with $250 to keep the creature on display in the museum, where it still is today. You can still visit the museum today click here for more info. Some believe that the merman was a piece that was made in China in the mid 19th century. Using a shrunken monkey head, fish, ivory, glass, oak, stain, varnish, and dye. Do you think it is something made from China or do you think it is a real merman?
Thank You For Reading!
Thank you for reading all about some of Delaware’s cryptids. Let me know in the comments on which was your favorite or if you have encountered any of these cryptids! Make sure you check out Delaware’s haunted places too or the other states cryptids.