The Jersey Devil
Ranked #5,694 in Pets & Animals, #141,969 overall
The Legend of the Jersey Devil
Deep in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey lives a creature that has brought fear and mystery to the region since the 1700s. This creature is known simply as the Jersey Devil.
It is described in most accounts as having a horse's head, a long tail, bat-like wings and long hind legs with cloven hooves. Some people have also claimed to witness it breathing fire. Nearly all reported encounters with the Jersey Devil mention its bloodcurdling scream.
It is described in most accounts as having a horse's head, a long tail, bat-like wings and long hind legs with cloven hooves. Some people have also claimed to witness it breathing fire. Nearly all reported encounters with the Jersey Devil mention its bloodcurdling scream.
Origins of the Jersey Devil
There are many versions of how and where the Jersey Devil was born.
The most predominant and widely accepted involve a Mrs. Leeds (aka Mother Leeds) who was pregnant with her 13th child around 1735. Depending on which version of the tale you follow, Mother Leeds either cursed the child before it was born because she didn't want another; or she cursed it after birth because it was deformed.
It's not clear what happened next. One variation is that the creature escaped right away (after possibly eating some of its siblings). Another is that Mother Leeds locked it in the cellar for a time before it eventually escaped into the wild.
Other versions of the story claim it was a Mrs. Shrouds who gave birth to the child or that Mother Leeds was possibly involved in witchcraft.
The most predominant and widely accepted involve a Mrs. Leeds (aka Mother Leeds) who was pregnant with her 13th child around 1735. Depending on which version of the tale you follow, Mother Leeds either cursed the child before it was born because she didn't want another; or she cursed it after birth because it was deformed.
It's not clear what happened next. One variation is that the creature escaped right away (after possibly eating some of its siblings). Another is that Mother Leeds locked it in the cellar for a time before it eventually escaped into the wild.
Other versions of the story claim it was a Mrs. Shrouds who gave birth to the child or that Mother Leeds was possibly involved in witchcraft.
The Jersey Devil on the Web
- The Devil Hunters
- A group of researchers committed to discovering the truth about the Jersey Devil and its legend.
- Channel 6 Special Report
- The ABC affiliate in Philadelphia did a special report on investigations of Jersey Devil sightings.
- The Jersey Devil on Wikipedia
- Along with a list of well known sightings, Wikipedia has a listing of JD's appearances in books, movies, TV shows and even video games.
- Legend or Truth?
- Ghosts of the Prairie has a good synopsis of the story and Jersey Devil sightings that is a little more readable than some other sites.
- Ed Sheetz - Jersey Devil Artist
- Ed Sheetz is an artist who created one of the most popular drawings of the Jersey Devil.
Things Named After The Jersey Devil
In addition to various local bars, drinks, shops, sandwiches and organizations, the Jersey Devil has lent his name to some nationally known things.
- New Jersey Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing
The Jersey Devil even has his own fighter wing equipped with F-16s. Don't mess with JD.- The New Jersey Devils
- Yes, JD has his own NHL hockey team. Where did you think they got the name?
- Jersey Devil Port Wine
- If you venture out on a moonlit night to hunt for the Jersey Devil, you may need a little liquid courage. Valenzano Winery produces their Jersey Devil Port wine in the heart of the Pine Barrens.
Recommended Reading
Books about the Jersey Devil
The Jersey Devil's Birthplace
Jersey Devil Based Fiction
Several authors have incorporated the Jersey Devil and other Pine Barrens folklore into their fictional works.
More About The Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens is a vast track of woodlands covering large parts of southern and central New Jersey. The area is rich in history and environmental diversity.
Do you believe?
What do you think of the Jersey Devil? Have you or someone you know had a run in with JD?
submit
-
Reply
-
ZodiacImmortal
Nov 2, 2011 @ 5:32 pm | delete
- I haven't been able to go on a hunt for the Jersey Devil but I did add this to the featured Lens on my Hockey Haven page. Go NJD
-
-
Reply
-
mountainstevo
Jul 13, 2011 @ 11:49 am | delete
- This lense is making scared to go visit my aunt in Jersey. I'll have to ask her if she has seen it :)
-
-
Reply
-
EagleScoutMom
Apr 23, 2009 @ 8:05 pm | delete
- Ha! I live in South Jersey and love to tell the scary story to my nieces, nephews and foster kids who've never heard about it. It's a great story. Just a few days ago my husband was walking the dog in the woods after dark and he came back with a tale about a huge winged creature - he said it was too big to be an owl - he couldn't make it out. He and the dog were spooked so I said it must have been the Jersey Devil - what else could it be ! LOL ! Nice lens !
-
-
Reply
-
Twmarsh
Oct 17, 2008 @ 8:44 pm | delete
- The Jersey Devil is a great topic for a lens. Five stars, well done!
-
-
Reply
-
Sandy Sandy
May 8, 2008 @ 8:30 am | delete
- Hey I like your lens on the JD! YES He is real! Check out my story and print of him on my web site. You can add the link to your lens if you want! http://sandysandy.com/jerseydevil.html
Take care and remember don't venture out into the pines alone at night!
-
Blog Posts About The Jersey Devil
- Local Sports Calendar
- The Jersey Devil Dart League is looking for teams for their Tuesday night shoot. Also looking for nice places with good dart board locations. Teams consist of four players, amateurs and retirees are welcome for this handicapped league.
- Ground Hawg Run kick starts the cycle season
- And in case you're wondering, MRANJ's next ride is the Jersey Devil Full Moon Ride scheduled for Saturday, July 28. Anna Marie Barbieri stands next to Foxy, who joined her on Sunday's 11th Ground Hawg Run, sponsored by the Motorcycle Rights Association ...
- Supernatural Talk
- The Jersey Devil seems to have just been an excuse to get them out there ? and perhaps a way of saying that some of the legendary monsters aren't real after all. Suzette Chan, Features Editrix: Ranger Rick has the sentiment, but Bobby nailed it when ...
- Bruce Springsteen Rumored To Rock Out Newark This Spring
- Below, listen to first single from Wrecking Ball, "We Take Care Of Our Own," as well as a song that would be well suited to Prudential Center, the home of the NJ Devils: "A Night With The Jersey Devil." Contact the author of this article or email ...
Sources & Bibliography
Much of the above information on the Jersey Devil legend and the area is from my own personal experience growing up in South Jersey. I also used the references below to research variations of the legend, dates and information on specific sightings.
- McCloy, James F. & Ray Miller, Jr. - The Jersey Devil (1976)
- "Jersey Devil". Wikipedia. July 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_Devil.
- Taylor, Troy. "The Jersey Devil - Legend or Truth?". Ghosts of the Prairie. 2002. July 2007. http://www.prairieghosts.com/jerseydevil.html.
by Mac33
Mac33
I grew up in the Pine Barrens and frequently heard tales of the Jersey Devil. We even watched a film on the Jersey Devil in grade school.
- 98 featured lenses
- Winner of 16 trophies!
- Top lens » Beginners' Guide To Playing The Harmonica
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- How To Build Your Own Halloween Graveyard How To Build Your Own Halloween Graveyard
- Halloween Graveyard Props Halloween Graveyard Props
- Review: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón Review: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
- Guide to Maryland Wineries Guide to Maryland Wineries
- 50 Good Luck Symbols From Around The World 50 Good Luck Symbols From Around The World
- Mythical Creatures Coloring Pages & Books Mythical Creatures Coloring Pages & Books
The Jersey Devil
The Jersey Devil
Amazon Price: $4.75 (as of 02/16/2012)
The authoritative and best selling guide to The Jersey Devil.
