Discover the Snallygaster of D.C.: Myth or Real-Life Creature?

Maryland is famous for several things — from blue crab and crab cakes to the proximity of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Within D.C., you can find iconic stops like the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, and the Capitol Building. Besides government buildings, there is much more to see in Washington, D.C., thanks to the many museums in the area. Some of the most mind-blowing places to visit include the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art. Beyond its rich history and diverse culture, D.C. and nearby Maryland are known for their unique animals and unusual folklore. Specifically, the snallygaster cryptid is one of their most famous cryptids and the main character in many local legends. Read on to discover all there is to know about the snallygaster, plus what it looks like and its early origins!

Origins of the Snallygaster

The legend of the snallygaster dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More specifically, this cryptid first appeared in writing in 1909. That date coincides with the first mentions of the nearby Jersey Devil, a cryptid well-known throughout the New Jersey pine barrens. Stories of the snallygaster creature trace back to German immigrants with Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. These early settlers brought many tales of mythical creatures as part of their traditional culture. This included that of the snallygaster beast, which they called schneller geist! The name eventually became snallygaster. Shortly after their settlement in Fredrick County, the number of reported sightings and encounters people had with this monster grew largely because of the new lore. Because of this, the snallygaster of D.C. gained widespread attention throughout Maryland and the surrounding states.

That said, there are numerous reports of this flying monster all along the eastern coast of the United States, even though the snallygaster is exclusive to folklore in Maryland. This could be because, as the snallygaster legend would gaine traction, more media outlets would share stories about the legendary creature.

Impact of the Legends

Beyond the local tales told of the snallygaster monster, this cryptid also gave rise to a unique tradition, the “Snallygaster Festival.” The annual event, held in Frederick County, Maryland, aims to celebrate the area’s folklore through various events and activities. Traditionally held in during October, head on over to Maryland to celebrate their 12th installment with craft beer, food, music, and more! The most popular festivities enjoyed on this local “holiday” include themed games, music, and even parades. This festival is so popular, in fact, that Washington City Paper readers deemed it “the Best Beer Festival in D.C.” every year from 2013 through 2019 and 2022 (there were no awards given in 2020 & 2021)!

What Does the Snallygaster Look Like?

Is it a reptile? Or a bird? Is it a demon? Kind of, but still no! This blend of creatures is well-known to Maryland residents. The snallygaster’s description is of a fearsome and bizarre creature with a combination of reptilian, avian, and cephalopod features. Sometimes, people refer to the snallygaster as a reptilian chimera, a Greek term used to describe animals with parts from two or more other species. In this case, this cryptid is a combination of reptile, bird, and octopus.

Typically, the appearance of the snallygaster is that of a winged bird beast with a long metallic beak, large eyes, and tentacles or octopus-like appendages. It also has the description of having a scaly or feathered body, razor-sharp teeth, and sometimes even multiple heads or horns! As the stories go, the believers of snallygaster viewed it as a malevolent and predatory creature. It is known for mainly attacking — and preying on — livestock or humans. Besides that, this cryptid was also said to have the ability to emit blood-curdling screams. As per the alleged encounters state, it uses this hunting tactic to terrify and stun its prey.

The Truth Behind the Legends

Numerous accounts and stories report experiences with the snallygaster cryptid. These urban legends often involve unexplainable sightings, events, or encounters with mysterious flying “reptile creatures.” While many believe this creature is real, it is essential to note that the existence of the snallygaster is based predominately on local Germanic legends and misconstrued sightings. The original stories of this creature likely served as cautionary tales for people long ago, warning of the possible dangers of venturing out alone at night. Another belief is that the snallygaster stories were a way to deter children from wandering too far from home or to discourage former enslaved people from voting. Nevertheless, if you find yourself in Maryland, keep an eye out… you might just be lucky enough to find out if this cryptid is real once and for all!

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