What is Hodag?

Hodag is a legendary creature that seems to have developed for the first time from the high stories that Lumberjacks told. Today, the creation is mainly associated with Wisconsin and some legends say that when Ox Paul Bunyan died and burned, Hodag picked up from the ashes. Hodags are particularly connected with Rhinelander, Wisconsin, called the "Home Hodag" on the city's website. Rhinelander High School even has a mascot Hodag. A creature called Misespishu or underwater Panther is said to have deer corners, feathers, scales and yet shaped as a mountain lion. Different myths show that Mishispishu is useful for people and sometimes quite dangerous. Given that the Ojibwe strain was placed near large lakes, the idea of ​​an animal with more animals could have inspired the legends of Hodag.

There are different views on the physical appearance of the feasts. Some suggest that they have lizards, horns on their heads and are covered with spikes. Hoax maintained by Eugene Shepherd at the end of the 19th century consolidated the idea, jaK looks this mythical creature in many minds. He claimed to have caught a wild hodag, exhibited an animal at the Oneid County Fair from 1896, which took place in Rhineland.

In fact, the displayed animal was carved out of wood, covered with sour free skin and corners in front of the cattle and/or oxen. However, it seemed that the animal moved from a distance (using chains) and growl, in fact the sounds supplied by Shepherd's sons. Shepherd later took his animal on tour. It is said that Shepherd's scam helped Rhinelander and brought the necessary population to help transform Rhinelander into a busy city.

Although Shepherd's scam was later released as a big practical joke, Legends of the Hodg persists. The beast is considered to be scary, potentially dangerous and somewhat grumpy. Yet his blessing on Rhinelander, when increasing the population, means that it is also considered very positive. NoIt is specifically a threat to humans, although it looks dangerous with all its tips.

Some legends suggest that Hodags use these tips to protect themselves during hard Wisconsin Winters. First they cut the bark from the trees and are covered in a bowl. When they are sticky enough, they roll into the fallen autumn leaves to provide a nice additional layer of heat and protect themselves from the cold.