Lagahoo
The Lagahoo is a mystical shape shifting monster, similar to Loup - garou in French folklore and is said to be the Trinidadian version of the werewolf. However, there are some major differences between them. A werewolf is someone who can only change into a wolf during the full moon. The Lagahoo can shape shift into many different animals and is not bounded by the full moon, therefore its ability to change into any animal whenever it wants makes it a more dangerous creature of the night.
What does the Lagahoo look like? Now, this is where things get a little mixed up. Depending on who is telling the story, it tends to change a bit however, let's stick to the most told descriptions. It is said that during the day it will appear as a normal human but at night it will turn into a headless man carrying a wooden coffin on his neck, or in place of his head, with three lighted candles. He is also described as holding a bundle of reeds and sticks, with chains wrapped around his waist as it drags along behind him and is believed to be the warning sign of his presence.
On the other hand, it is also described to change from its torso down, assuming the form similar to that of a centaur and can alter its size from tiny to very large. Another description I came across is that it looks like a huge dog walking on two legs.
Not picky about what it eats, the Lagahoo sucks the blood of any animal or humans and is said to make you lose your way whenever it follows you. I had a hard time with what it mainly did or what made this character scary but as I was told, "Isn't sucking the blood of animals and people enough?!". Well maybe I was expecting a little more werewolf-like activity but considering it is a Lagahoo and not a Werewolf, guess I can't complain.
Europe is the origin of this folklore character and mixed with the African culture, it adapted into what we know now. The name 'Lagahoo' has also been associated with obeah men who were feared in their villages because of the practice believed to make one evil and powerful.
If by bad luck you happen to cross paths with one, beating it with a stick blessed in holy water for nine days is believed to kill it. So, make sure to have one on your person at all times and if that doesn't work, well...
Have fun! Until next time!
