Jersey Devil

The Misshapen Evil Hidden in the Pines

A Basic Table

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About the Jersey Devil

Reportedly spied from time to time in the pine forests of South Jersey (Southern New Jersey for non-inhabitants of the mid-Atlantic region), the Jersey Devil is a hooved, flying biped. In South Jersey, there is an expanse called the Pine Barrens, characterized by pine trees and sand. It is in this mystical pine-needle-strewn land, replete with Atlantic fog, that the Jersey Devil roams.

The story, as it is commonly told, is that in 1735, one Mrs. Leeds, expecting her thirteenth child, cried in frustration "Let it be the devil!". Mother Nature, never missing an opportunity to punish human desperation, honored Mrs. Leeds' wish, and into this world arrived a baby human boy who quickly transformed into a cute, snarling devilish creature. This poor victim of a human's momentary frustration sprouted horns, claws, bat-like wings, and body hair (and possibly feathers, according to some accounts). The creature immediately made sure no more such curses were to be released, ending his mother's life and the lives of the midwives, tearing them asunder.

the pine barrens. original art by R. Ravensworth
"The Pine Barrens" original art by R. Ravensworth

Sources

Weird New Jersey - Jersey Devil

The Jersey Devil and Folklore - Pinelands Alliance