The Jersey Devil: Fact, Fiction, and Film
So many of us have heard the story, but what are the actual facts? In the shadowy, needle-floored wilderness of the Pine Barrens, does a creature with horns, glowing red eyes, a horse-like face, clawed hands, hoofed hind legs, bat like wings, and a forked tail terrorize hapless souls? While outlandish sounding to most, these claimed encounters with the Jersey Devil persist, and must be read to be believed (or disbelieved).
Not limited to the South Jersey wilderness or to the storied “birthplace” of Leeds Point, the famous 1909 incidents include many in Burlington County and even two in Mercer County (detailed in McCloy and Miller, The Jersey Devil, listed below). Also called the Leeds Devil (though let’s be honest, when an ice hockey team gets named for something, that’s the name that sticks), the creature has inspired folklore, fiction, film, academic investigation, and treasured local culture. William McMahon writes in Pine Barrens Legends, Lore, and Lies that the Jersey Devil “was given official status as the State Demon in a 1939 guide book [...]. The book boldly declared that the devil’s favorite dish was Jersey ham and eggs.”
This October, readers may find their own food for thought (or for nightmares) in these titles from the MCLS collection:
Folklore and Fact
Author: McCloy, James F. Miller, Ray.
Perhaps the best known of the Jersey Devil fact and folklore compendiums, McCloy and Miller’s book surveys all the significant reports and sightings, with many illustrations, maps, and detailed, chilling descriptions of each encounter. The authors also explore the creature’s origin legends, beyond the familiar “cursed 13th child of Mrs. Leeds” story, as well as historical events such as claims of the capture of the monster itself. A readable and comprehensive foray into the legends and lore, with fascinating facts and photos.
Phantom of the Pines: More Tales of the Jersey Devil
Author: McCloy, James F.; Miller, Ray.
The follow-up to the previous title by the same authors, this volume presents additional history, witness accounts, pranks, tall tales, and even poetry. Descriptions of the creature get stranger and more varied, and the volume expands the topic into accounts of the Jersey Devil outside of New Jersey, including reports in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and even Texas. Hoaxes with impressive costumes and constructions are detailed. In addition, the book surveys the creature’s many appearances in pop culture, and with the inclusion of sightings as recent as 1995, it explores the legends all the way to the present day.
Author: Regal, Brian; Esposito, Frank J.
In this book, written by two history professors at Kean University, the authors “attempt to trace the origins of the legend to its source and to clear away the layers of fancies, fallacies, hoaxes, and half-remembered confabulations to get to the heart of the story.” What historical truths, if any, lie behind the fiction? The inside cover promises “land grabs, astrological predictions, mermaids, dinosaur bones, sideshows, Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother” and much more. Readers looking for entertaining facts over folklore need look no further.
Author: Girard, Geoffrey.
Embracing the folklore for exactly what it is--a collection of frightening supernatural stories--Girard dramatizes thirteen real accounts of the Jersey Devil and tells them as short horror tales populated by ghastly events and colorful characters. Readers who wish to experience the mythology without any attempt to sort fact from fiction, but instead to simply revel in the fright and strangeness of the lore, may want to start here
Fiction
Author: Evanovich, Janet.
An entry in Janet Evanovich’s series of Stephanie Plum novels, this volume sees bounty hunter Plum on the trail of two violent criminals in the Pine Barrens. The pursuit involves multiple hallmarks of South Jersey pine country, including cranberry bogs and, yes, our devilish friend from Leeds Point. How does the Jersey Devil fit in with a thriller about all-too-human monsters? Readers of suspenseful page-turners will want to find out.
Author: Shea, Hunter.
From Hunter Shea, author of many creature-feature novels including The Montauk Monster (New York’s own local supernatural legend), The Jersey Devil follows fictional Boompa Willet, who encountered the mythical monster many decades ago. When new supernatural events and disappearances once again terrorize the Pine Barrens, Willet and his descendants return to find and exterminate the Jersey Devil forever. But it turns out the Jersey Devil may no longer be just one creature, and with too many people visiting the Barrens, the chase acquires a deadline. Pulp horror fans will devour this one quickly.
Author: Tara O’Connor
Readers looking for a less terrifying and more fantasy-inspired Jersey Devil can turn to this YA graphic novel with a personal tone. High-schooler Dee comes back to her old home after her twin sister disappears near the Pine Barrens. Could it be related to the oil pipeline her sister had been protesting? Or is there something more supernatural going on? When Dee goes into the Barrens in search of her twin, she meets someone completely unexpected... and completely not human. From there, the story only gets bigger and more complicated, offering interest for young and old alike.
Film
13th Child: the Legend of the Jersey Devil (2002), directed by Steven Stockage. Rated R.
In the world of this movie, which puts its own unique spin on the legend, many unsolved murders over the years have been attributed to the Jersey Devil. When a new murder happens, local authorities head out to investigate, and end up at the Victorian estate of a strange man named Mr. Shroud, with the film’s cover summary promising “a world where suspense and mystery give way to a climax of terror.” Aficionados of gory horror will want to experience this infusion of New Jersey lore into the genre.
The Barrens (2012), directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. Rated R.
Starring Stephen Moyer of True Blood and Mia Kirschner of The Vampire Diaries, this horror movie by the director of Saw II follows a New Jersey family camping in the Pine Barrens. As the family pushes further from civilization, the vacation turns into a fight for survival as the pines become haunted with what may indeed be the Jersey Devil. Those looking for a serious Jersey scare may jump on board, and then jump out of their seats.
- by James D., Ewing Branch
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