Exploring the infusion of old world traditions into American culture, haunted tales of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the witch hunt and dramatic disappearance of a suspected witch, unraveling the mystery of the lost colony of Roanoke, and advertisements from Jeep SUVs and Kroger brand products.
Witch hysteria in America during the late 1600s was influenced by Europe's broader witch trials, showing how cultural beliefs can shape folklore and legends in different regions.
The Outer Banks, specifically Hatteras Island, is known for its rich history and tales, including ghost ships, headless pirates, and haunting legends, proving the power of storytelling in shaping local folklore.
Deep dives
Folklore and Old Tales in New England
New England serves as a cultural bridge between the Old World and the New, with old tales and superstitions taking root in the region. Witch hysteria in the late 1600s in America was influenced by Europe's broader witch trials. The American version of the vampire originates from Eastern European folk tales. Christmas and Halloween traditions were brought to America, particularly New England. Settlers' minds were ripe for creating new folklore and legends in the New World.
Legends and Hauntings in the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, specifically Hatteras Island, is rich in history and tales. The area has stories of ghost ships and headless pirates haunting the coast. One story tells of a ghost ship, engulfed in flames, seen only during the first full moon of September. Another legend involves the ghost of the notorious pirate Blackbeard, said to haunt the area where he once anchored his ship. Locals report sightings of strange lights and hearing cries of pain during storms, as if Blackbeard still patrols the waters.
The Mysterious Story of Cora and the Oak Tree
In the Outer Banks, near Brigands Bay, there is a tree with a haunting story. According to local legend, a woman named Cora and her baby lived in the area in the early 1700s. Cora had a reputation for practicing the unusual, and rumors spread that she was a witch. Captain Eli Blood, a self-proclaimed witch hunter, arrived in the Outer Banks and accused Cora of witchcraft and murder. Cora was tied to a tree to be burned alive, but a strange series of events occurred, including the transformation of her child into a black cat. A lightning bolt struck the tree, and when the smoke cleared, Cora and the cat were gone, leaving only the letters C-O-R-A etched into the bark.
Stories leave a mark on us. They can act like scars or decoration, always there, always reminding us of things that happened. But in some cases, those stories leave behind literal, physical marks. Or do they?