Folklore is as much a part of our communities as our mountains and rivers, hills and forests. It may be less tangible than our landscapes, but it’s woven into the fabric of our lives and tells us so much about our Appalachian heritage. Folklore reflects what we value, how we relate to one another and the world around us, what we fear, and what we celebrate. And tonight, as the veil between worlds is said to be at its thinnest, we can almost feel the presence of the generations before us, who passed down these tales that keep our history alive

One such tale is that of the Ogua, a mysterious river creature rumored to lurk in the rivers of West Virginia. While some dismiss it as mere legend, others believe it might have roots in reality — perhaps as a prehistoric creature or an undiscovered giant snapping turtle. According to some, the Ogua, with its massive 20-foot length and 500-pound bulk, emerges from the waters to prey on unsuspecting deer.

While the Ogua may be lesser-known than other famous Appalachian cryptids, it dominates the river lore here in the Mountain State. As we celebrate Halloween, it’s fun to imagine the Ogua lurking in our rivers, adding to the natural mysteries that make West Virginia wild and wonderful. Learn more about the Ogua from Folklorist and WVU Professor Emeritus Rosemary Hathaway here: