The Great Dismal Swamp in Myth and Legend

Scores of rich and colorful stories of the Great Dismal Swamp have been passed down through the ages. Not only have these stories endured for hundreds of years, but also they have thrived to become legends. Many of these legends originated with the first Indians to reach this area. The legends grew from their need for closure and explanation of the world around them. To these powerful civilizations on this continent, there were never any unknowns. Over the years, the stories of the swamp have passed down from the native Indians through explorers, missionaries, colonists, and those just passing by. Each teller has placed their own spin and their own interpretations on these yarns.

This book presents, in a single forum, all of the known legends, myths, and stories, which not only describe but also actually form the mystique of the swamp. Stories on the history of the swamp will demonstrate the interaction between man and the wilderness that would not be tamed. Myths of how places came to be and stories of those spirits still inhabiting the swamp are documented here from traditional tales passed down through generations of swamp dwellers.

Waverley Traylor is a native of Virginia and a long-time advocate for the preservation of its natural resources. His interest in wildlife photography naturally lured him to the Great Dismal Swamp, and a long love affair with the quagmire was born. He volunteered his time at the National Wildlife Refuge and served as president of the supporting Dismal Swamp Coalition.

He became intrigued with the stories he heard concerning the swamps history and strived to learn more. Ten years have been invested in researching local libraries, scanning through local government documents and church records, and speaking with many of the descendents of Swamper families and local Indian tribe elders in a quest to discover all of the myths and legends of this unique area.

Other books authored by Mr. Traylor include Tales of the Great Dismal Swamp, Haunts of the Great Dismal Swamp, Indian Legends of the Great Dismal Swamp, Animal Tails of the Great Dismal Swamp, and Living with Bats.