Hidebehind
Nocturnal forest creature that hides from direct sight.
The hidebehind is a nocturnal fearsome critter from American folklore that preys upon humans who wander the woods. It was blamed for the disappearances of early loggers when they failed to return to camp. The creature is said to be able to conceal itself so that when an observer attempts to look directly at it, it quickly hides behind an object or behind the observer and therefore cannot be directly seen.
- type
- Fearsome critter
- origin
- American folklore
- habitat
- Forests
- diet
- Chiefly intestines of human victims
- known_for
- Concealing itself from direct observation; preying on lumberjacks and forest frequenters
- weakness
- Severe aversion to alcohol
Lore & Background
The hidebehind supposedly uses its ability to conceal itself to stalk human prey without being observed and to attack them without warning. Victims, including lumberjacks and others who frequent the forests, are then dragged back to the creature's lair to be devoured. The creature is said to subsist chiefly upon the intestines of its victim and has a severe aversion to alcohol, which is therefore considered a sufficient repellent. Other sources suggest that the hidebehind makes hissing noises, such as a viper would.
Reader's Guide
Tales of the hidebehind may have been used as an explanation of strange noises in the forest at night. Early accounts describe hidebehinds as large, powerful animals despite the fact that no one was able to see them. The creature has been featured and referenced in popular culture including games, novels, stories, and television. In Pecos Bill Catches a Hidebehind, a hidebehind's capture is attempted by the cowboy, who hopes to donate it to a zoo. Hidebehinds are mentioned in Diane Duane's Young Wizards series, where they are described as mostly small creatures, with the fear they engender being a defense mechanism. In 2016, the official Harry Potter website Pottermore released a new story featuring a hidebehind as a nocturnal, forest-dwelling spectre that preys on humanoid creatures. The hidebehind also appeared in the Gravity Falls short 'Dipper's Guide to the Unexplained: The Hide Behind' and is among the Fearsome Critters in the Silver John story 'The Desrick on Yandro'.
Did You Know?
- The hidebehind is blamed for the disappearances of early loggers who failed to return to camp.
- It has a severe aversion to alcohol, which is considered a sufficient repellent.
- Some sources say the hidebehind makes hissing noises like a viper.
- Early accounts describe hidebehinds as large, powerful animals, though no one was able to see them.
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