Glawackus

Lore & Background

The glawackus belongs to the fearsome critters, a group of legendary creatures in the folklore and traditions of lumberjacks during the 19th and early 20th centuries in North America. It is described as looking something between a bear, a panther, and a lion, and is also known as the northern devil cat. The creature is blind and uses its sense of smell as well as sound waves. Looking into its eyes is said to wipe the victim's memory.

Reader's Guide

The glawackus gained notable public attention in 1939 when sightings were reported in Glastonbury, Connecticut. A young reporter for the Hartford Courant recalled that the creature howled at night, slipped in and out of view, and caused dogs, cats, and small farm animals to disappear. Descriptions varied: some saw a huge cat, others a dog in the back and a cat in front, and one person reported a big animal with eyes that glowed like embers. The name 'Glawackus' was coined by an editor, combining 'Gla' for Glastonbury, 'wack' for wacky, and 'us' as a proper Latin ending. Radio commentator Lowell Thomas reported that the name was given by a 'Connecticut scientist.' A safari with two Ozark-trained hounds was organized but returned empty-handed. The event was memorialized in verse. The glawackus remains a notable example of a fearsome critter and a local cryptozoological legend, illustrating how folklore can emerge from modern media and community speculation.

Did You Know?

• The glawackus is also known as the northern devil cat.
• Its screech is compared to the cackle of a hyena.
• Looking into the creature's eyes is said to wipe the victim's memory.
• The name 'Glawackus' was coined by an editor from 'Gla' for Glastonbury, 'wack' for wacky, and 'us' as a Latin ending.