Myths and Legends

Posted by Florence Cardinal Jan 20, 2007

Like most cultures, the Native Americans have their shapeshifters. Many cultures have legends about the werewolf. In France, werewolf became loup garou. With the influx of the French and French culture into Canada, the legend spread, and was adopted by the Métis (people of French and Native origin) and then by some of the Native tribes themselves.

The legend grew and changed, as legends will. The Native loup garou became a multitalented creature who could change into numerous animals. Always, though, they are vicious and dangerous, and very sly. The Native translation of loup garou is roo garoo or rou garous which means the trickster and may be related to another Native trickster, coyote. Roo Garoo often chose a coyote skin as a mode of disguise.

For the story of another myth, read my article, Windigo.