The Native American Indians of Olympic Peninsula did not like to go deep within the rain-forest valleys. There were many things roaming the dark woods, like Seatco (spelling is questionable but pronounced Sea-ahck-toe or something close to that,) who is known as Bigfoot in other places. Scary little people lived along river banks. They would throw sticks at the tribal members canoeing the waterways to get them to turn back, and these creatures were called Stick People. Perhaps the Stick People were cousins to the Nan-a-push, the little people of the forest. There were Thunderbirds too—huge birds that could move massive boulders and create thunder eggs.
But, perhaps the scariest legend of all, and one I have yet to hear told by the Salish people, is the Legend of the Moss Woman. In other parts of North America and even around the world in places such as Germany and Denmark, the Moss Woman steals children who wander too far away from their parents and she puts a “root” on them and thereby, she “roots” them.
Throughout the thousands of years the Olympic Peninsula has been inhabited, how many children have disappeared in or near the Olympic mountains? I would not have believed this Legend of the Moss Woman but, I saw the Moss Woman when I took my daughter and granddaughter hiking in Solduc valley. We all saw her begin to speak in the river’s breeze and it was creepy. We left —although we wanted to run—we walked, but we walked fast.
My daughter took this photo. While there, we did not see there was a child with her. Only after we got home and uploaded the photo to the computer did the child behind her become apparent. Is there a way we could rescue the child? Can someone please tell us? Perhaps you will see her. Do not let her put a root on you. Stay near your parents or grandparents or grown-ups!
This story is featured in an upcoming book by me but featured here for the Daily Post photo challenge: Magic.
Spooky! I love it. Really interesting
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Thank you
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Reblogged this on TerrainWalker and commented:
An interesting story with mentions a few Native American legendary beings of Olympic Peninsula: Moss Woman, Seatco, Stick People, Nan-a-push.
I’m not familiar with them, but think they’re of interest for research or curiosity.
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Thanks for posting your photo and the wonderful story and legends. Nature Folks of the Americas stories are sometimes hard to come by. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Oh. Yes. Wow. I’m not certain of the spellings. It was a friend who told me. But he never mentioned the Moss Woman. No. She, like Seatco, was experienced first and learned about later. I honestly don’t know if she is spoken of by the First Peoples here. There is another story on my blog you might be interested in–The Legend of Storm King. (
Photo 101: Day 3–Legend of Storm King)
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Fascinating photo and wonderful folklore to go with it!
https://southamptonoldlady.wordpress.com/2016/11/19/magic-mushrooms/
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Thank you
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Wow! Love this tale and your photo. I’m a bit creeped out with this magic!
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Thank you and I understand. We were genuinely creeped out too.
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And one more thing…as the eldest on that hike (me being mom to one and grandma to the youngest,) I had to “appear” to be brave and in “control” of the situation–be it Moss Woman or cougar. Five ft one inch does not constitute a lot of protective brawn in such situations. 🙂 When you pack for a hike, don’t forget your poker face!
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Love that advice. I’m trying to suck it up when with younger, more spritely folks, but it doesn’t always work!
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I’ll remember you in my prayers. 🙂 I know the “thing” is for us always to be honest but . . . and it is hard to lie but . . . best wishes on overcoming. I totally understand 🙂
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Hi. Found you through Terrain Walker.
Very creepy post and photo. Shivers all around!
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Hello Mae Clair, thank you for visiting here from Terrain Walker’s blog! Make yourself at home and have some fun looking around. I look forward to checking out your writings!
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and OH! I am just now checking out your blog and you have some books over there that look especially interesting to read. I recommend my readers check you out. Thank you for writing!
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Awesome! How wonderful. Thank you 🙂
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Thank you for linking to my blog.
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