The Mothman is one of the most famous cryptids in American folklore, often described as a large, humanoid creature with massive wings and glowing red eyes. The legend of Mothman began in 1966, when two couples in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, reported seeing a strange, man-like figure with wings and eyes that "glowed red in the car headlights." This sighting sparked a series of similar reports, with many witnesses claiming to have seen a flying creature stalking the area.
The most famous aspect of the Mothman legend is its association with tragedy. Many believe that Mothman is a harbinger of doom, with the most notable event linked to the creature being the collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967. The disaster claimed 46 lives, and some locals claim that Mothman sightings served as an eerie warning of the impending tragedy.
Since then, Mothman has become a staple of cryptid lore, with enthusiasts, investigators, and skeptics all offering different explanations—ranging from a misidentified bird to an alien or interdimensional being. The town of Point Pleasant now celebrates its connection to the creature with an annual Mothman Festival and a dedicated museum.
Whether Mothman is a figment of imagination, a misunderstood animal, or something more paranormal, the legend continues to capture the public's fascination, making it one of the most enduring mysteries of the modern age.
Find out on the next Haunted Garage.
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