Have you heard of the Moon-Eyed People of Appalachia?
The Moon-Eyed People are a fascinating aspect of Appalachian and Cherokee folklore, captivating the imagination with their mysterious origins and enigmatic characteristics. According to local legends, the Moon-Eyed People were a unique pale skinned colony who inhabited parts of the Appalachian Mountains long before the arrival of the Cherokee. They were described as being short, with flat round faces, white blond hair, and blue eyes. Eyes so blue it made them sensitive to the sun.
These people were said to be reclusive due to their sensitivity to sunlight, which led them to live primarily during the evenings and nights. Their distinctive physical features, such as their pale skin and large, round, light blue eyes, were attributed to their adaptation to the dimly lit environments they preferred. As a result of their night time lifestyles and moon like eyes, they were lent their name.
Cherokee stories often describe the Moon-Eyed People as skilled artisans and agriculturalists who constructed elaborate underground cave dwellings to shield themselves from the sun’s rays. They were believed to have established an intricate network of tunnels and chambers, showcasing their resourcefulness. One such structure that is attributed to the Moon-Eyed Ones today is an ancient 850 ft long stone wall located in Fort Mountain State Park, GA; as well as a carved stone statue unearthed in 1841 near Murphy, NC. .
The Moon-Eyed People’s eventual interactions with the Cherokee varies among legends. Some stories depict peaceful coexistence and cultural exchange between the two groups, while others narrate conflicts and battle. Regardless of the nature of their interactions, the legends emphasize the Moon-Eyed People’s eventual disappearance or migration from the area. Some lore states they were completely killed off by neighboring tribes, others claim they were chased off north into Kentucky and Tennessee. There are even claims they retreated underground where they could live without the inconvenience of sunlight.
The origin of the Moon-Eyed people is unknown and largely debated. Some researchers believe they were a community of outcast tribal members effected by albinism. Some believe they were members of the Welshman, Prince Madocs, lost expedition crew that allegedly landed here in 1170. Others believe the story is nothing more than a story, and they are myth alone.
While the Moon-Eyed People tend to remain confined to the realm of folklore, they continue to intrigue and captivate those who delve into the depths of their tale.
Have you heard of the Moon-Eyed People of Appalachia?
The Moon-Eyed People are a fascinating aspect of Appalachian and Cherokee folklore, captivating the imagination with their mysterious origins and enigmatic characteristics. According to local legends, the Moon-Eyed People were a unique pale skinned colony who inhabited parts of the Appalachian Mountains long before the arrival of the Cherokee. They were described as being short, with flat round faces, white blond hair, and blue eyes. Eyes so blue it made them sensitive to the sun.
These people were said to be reclusive due to their sensitivity to sunlight, which led them to live primarily during the evenings and nights. Their distinctive physical features, such as their pale skin and large, round, light blue eyes, were attributed to their adaptation to the dimly lit environments they preferred. As a result of their night time lifestyles and moon like eyes, they were lent their name.
Cherokee stories often describe the Moon-Eyed People as skilled artisans and agriculturalists who constructed elaborate underground cave dwellings to shield themselves from the sun’s rays. They were believed to have established an intricate network of tunnels and chambers, showcasing their resourcefulness. One such structure that is attributed to the Moon-Eyed Ones today is an ancient 850 ft long stone wall located in Fort Mountain State Park, GA; as well as a carved stone statue unearthed in 1841 near Murphy, NC. .
The Moon-Eyed People’s eventual interactions with the Cherokee varies among legends. Some stories depict peaceful coexistence and cultural exchange between the two groups, while others narrate conflicts and battle. Regardless of the nature of their interactions, the legends emphasize the Moon-Eyed People’s eventual disappearance or migration from the area. Some lore states they were completely killed off by neighboring tribes, others claim they were chased off north into Kentucky and Tennessee. There are even claims they retreated underground where they could live without the inconvenience of sunlight.
The origin of the Moon-Eyed people is unknown and largely debated. Some researchers believe they were a community of outcast tribal members effected by albinism. Some believe they were members of the Welshman, Prince Madocs, lost expedition crew that allegedly landed here in 1170. Others believe the story is nothing more than a story, and they are myth alone.
While the Moon-Eyed People tend to remain confined to the realm of folklore, they continue to intrigue and captivate those who delve into the depths of their tale.