The Massacooraman of the Guyanese Rivers
On the great rivers of Guyana, boatmen feared a huge, hairy creature that rose from the water at night to overturn their boats.
What was reported
The Massacooraman is a creature of Guyanese folklore, said to live in the country's large rivers, such as the Essequibo. It's described as a giant, hairy, man-like being with long, sharp teeth, which lurks below the surface and rises up at night to overturn canoes and drag their crews under.
Boatmen who travelled the rivers, especially at night, told stories of narrow escapes and warned travellers to keep close to the banks.
Explanations offered
The Massacooraman is part of Guyana's rich folklore, which mixes African, Amerindian, Indian and European traditions. The real dangers of the rivers, with strong currents, rocks and large animals such as caimans, are a likely source of the tales.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Essequibo River, Guyana
- Witnesses
- Guyanese folklore
- Status
- Folklore
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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