Lore Legends: Episode 48 - Oh Deer

Released March 3, 2025

Host: Aaron Mahnke
Podcast: Lore Legends
Title: Oh Deer

Introduction

In the 48th episode of Lore Legends, host Aaron Mahnke delves into the enigmatic and haunting folklore surrounding deer. From ancient myths to modern urban legends, this episode explores the myriad ways deer have captivated human imagination, symbolized cultural values, and inspired chilling tales across the globe.

Crybaby Bridges: The Haunting Whispers

Aaron opens the episode by exploring the pervasive urban legend of "Crybaby Bridges." He reveals, “All across America, there are bridges where you can hear a baby crying” (00:54). These bridges, steeped in sorrowful lore, are scattered across states like Kentucky, Ohio, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, and Texas. Each location boasts its own tragic tale:

• Kentucky’s Sleepy Hollow Road: Rumors speak of mothers drowning unwanted newborns.
• Salem, Ohio’s Egypt Road Bridge: Alleged site where a child tragically fell into the water.
• Port Neches, Texas: A particularly gruesome story tells of a man decapitating a mother before disposing of her baby, Sarah Jane, into alligator-infested waters. The legend persists with ghostly cries and spectral sightings of the mother (02:15).

Aaron cites folklorist Jesse Glass, who asserts that most Crybaby Bridge stories are modern inventions, primarily propagated online without any basis in traditional oral history. “They are stories that were made up to generate clicks in a world where viral posts are a form of fame and glory” (04:30). Despite their dubious origins, these legends resonate deeply within local cultures, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

Deer in Mythology: Symbols of Power and Protection

Transitioning from urban legends to ancient myths, Aaron delves into the symbolic significance of deer across various cultures:

• Chinese Mythology: Deer symbolize longevity and are associated with fairies. They represent auspicious signs for monarchs, indicating fair and righteous leadership.

  “In ancient Chinese mythology, deer were associated with fairies who would ride on their backs. They also symbolized longevity” (06:50).

• Norse Mythology: The majestic stag Eichtirnir stands atop Valhalla, from whose antlers flow the world’s rivers. Other stags nibble at the leaves of Yggdrasil, the world tree, potentially representing the four seasons or elements.

• Cherokee Legends: Similar to Norse beliefs, deer embody the four seasons or elements, highlighting their integral role in the balance of nature.

• English Traditions: In Abbotts Bromley, England, an ancient horn dance has been performed annually since 1226, utilizing caribou antlers to ensure a successful hunting season and protect the village. This ritual, potentially a fertility ceremony, underscores the protective power attributed to deer (12:05).

Political Symbolism: Deer as Tools of Influence

Aaron explores how deer have been employed as political symbols:

“According to the historian Plutarch, the Roman statesman Quintus Sertorius was once given a white doe as a gift” (15:20).

Sertorius used the white doe to claim divine favor from Diana, the goddess of the hunt, manipulating his generals by presenting military news as messages from the deity. This tactic not only solidified his authority but also exemplified how deer symbolism could be harnessed for political gain.

Deer in Fairy Tales: Transformations and Magic

Deer transformations are a prevalent trope in fairy tales and folklore, symbolizing change, enchantment, and sometimes curses:

• 17th Century French Fairy Tale: A princess is cursed by a fairy crab to become a deer until a prince intervenes.

  “A beautiful princess who is cursed to turn into a deer. A powerful fairy crab... transformed into a deer” (19:30).

• Persian Fairy Tale: A prince fails a quest and is transformed into a deer by an enchantress, only to be restored and marry his savior.

These stories often conclude with the restoration of the cursed individual to human form, emphasizing themes of redemption and the triumph of good over evil.

The Deer Woman: Protector and Avenger

One of the most compelling segments covers the legend of the Deer Woman, a widespread Native American myth present in at least a dozen tribes across North America:

“The Deer Woman is a common Native American legend from both the eastern woodlands and the Central Plains tribes of North America” (22:40).

Characteristics:

• Appearance: A beautiful woman with long black hair, a buckskin dress, and hooves instead of feet. Some depictions include antlers.
• Role: She serves as a protector of women, seeking vengeance against those who inflict violence upon them. Methods vary from luring men into the forest to enacting direct retribution.

Modern Sightings:

• 1960s-70s Kansas Incident: A stunning woman at a football stadium reveals her hooves before vanishing after a dramatic leap.
• Powwow Stories: Instances of the Deer Woman attending gatherings only to disappear, leaving behind signs of her non-human nature.

Aaron emphasizes the enduring relevance of the Deer Woman, noting, “In a world where women face just as much violence as ever, it can be comforting to know that there is someone in the wings waiting to help them” (28:00).

Virginia Dare and the Roanoke Colony: A Tragic Transformation

Aaron delves into the historical mystery of the Roanoke Colony, focusing on the enigmatic figure of Virginia Dare:

“Virginia Dare was the very first English baby born in North America. She came into the world on August 18th of 1587” (30:00).

Legend Overview:

• Disappearance: Governor White finds the colony abandoned, with all settlers—including Virginia Dare—gone without a trace.

• 19th Century Folklore: Fictional accounts emerged, portraying Virginia Dare as transforming into a white deer following a sorcerer’s curse, intertwining her story with themes of magic and tragedy.

  “Virginia Dare grew into a beautiful woman, attracting the adoration of several Algonquin suitors. Two men in particular became enamored with her” (33:45).

Commercial Exploitation: Aaron reveals how Virginia Dare’s legend was co-opted by the Virginia Dare wine company, using her story and imagery to promote white supremacy and sell wine. The poem “The Fate of Virginia Dare” by Sally Southall Cotton, a white supremacist and women’s rights leader, intertwined the myth with racial propaganda, cementing its place in folklore (37:20).

Modern Implications: The legacy of Virginia Dare’s tale persists, even influencing contemporary white supremacist groups like V Dare, showcasing how folklore can be manipulated to serve ideological purposes (40:00).

The Not Deer: A Modern Appalachian Cryptid

Transitioning to contemporary legends, Aaron examines the rise of the "Not Deer," a cryptid originating from the Appalachian Mountains:

“The Not Deer is a full blown cryptid. If you've spent any time online, you've probably heard of it” (43:15).

Description:

• Appearance: Initially resembles a normal deer, but closer inspection reveals unnatural features—jerky movements, front-placed eyes, and a more predatory stance.
• Behavior: More aggressive than typical deer, capable of standing upright and exhibiting intelligence beyond animal instincts.

Possible Origins:

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Some speculate that Not Deer sightings are actually deer afflicted with CWD, causing debilitating symptoms that alter their appearance and behavior.

  “CWD attacks the nervous system. Deer who contract the disease become emaciated and their movements deteriorate and become jerky” (45:35).

• Internet Fabrication: Others argue that the Not Deer is purely a digital creation, spreading through online platforms without any basis in reality.

Regardless of origin, the Not Deer has firmly entrenched itself in modern mythology, demonstrating the potent influence of digital storytelling on contemporary folklore (48:00).

Conclusion

Aaron Mahnke wraps up the episode by reflecting on the evolution and resilience of folklore. He underscores how stories like the Deer Woman and the Not Deer reveal underlying societal fears and values, serving as both mirrors and molders of cultural consciousness.

“Every folktale is fiction to some degree or another. So what makes this one any different?” — Aaron Mahnke (50:20).

Aaron emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins and implications of these legends, urging listeners to critically engage with the stories that shape their cultural landscape.

Notable Quotes

• “All across America, there are bridges where you can hear a baby crying.” — Aaron Mahnke (00:54)
• “They are stories that were made up to generate clicks in a world where viral posts are a form of fame and glory.” — Jesse Glass via Aaron Mahnke (04:30)
• “If you have a spot in your hometown where people claim to hear ghostly babies wail, then I'm sorry to tell you but your Crybaby Bridge isn't all that unique.” — Aaron Mahnke (01:15)
• “In a world where women face just as much violence as ever, it can be comforting to know that there is someone in the wings waiting to help them.” — Aaron Mahnke (28:00)
• “The story about Virginia Dare turning into a white deer may now be accepted in some circles as real folklore, but it was an invention with a dark purpose.” — Aaron Mahnke (35:00)

Production Credits

• Produced by: Aaron Mahnke
• Written by: Alex Robinson
• Research by: Cassandra D'Alba

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Further Resources

• Books: Available in bookstores and online, expanding on the podcast’s rich storytelling.
• TV Show: Two seasons available on Amazon Prime Video.
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Closing Thoughts

Aaron concludes with a thoughtful reflection on the nature of folklore:

“We're drawn to one aspect or another, unaware that they are nothing more than decals hiding some marketing campaign or twisted propaganda. All we see is a beautiful story without ever noticing the hooves.” — Aaron Mahnke (49:10).

He invites listeners to stay curious and vigilant, as the stories we cherish are often layered with complex histories and meanings.

Episode Credits and Ads

Lore Legends continues to be supported by sponsors such as Mint Mobile, Smalls Cat Food, and Squarespace. These segments provide essential funding, allowing the podcast to bring its captivating stories to a global audience.

Thank You for Listening

Aaron Mahnke extends his gratitude to listeners for joining him on this journey into the world of deer-related legends. He encourages fans to engage with the podcast across various platforms and to share their own stories and experiences.

Stay tuned for the next chilling episode of Lore Legends, where history and myth intertwine in the most unexpected ways.