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| The Dover Demon |
The Dover Demon falls into the classification of a legend by our definition, although there are some elements to it that set it apart, namely the fact it seems to be based on first person accounts in the modern era and has been investigated. There is no real spirit involved but rather a creature who might have extraterrestrial origins or be part of a older Native American tradition. Either way, the Demon is both a legend and a puzzle in that the details and nature of the occurrence have never been solved. In 1977 there were several appearances of an unusual animal that was labeled the Dover Demon, although there was no proof it was of a demon nature. In late April of that year several teens at different times saw the creature, one who was able to draw it and have that drawing backed up by others who saw it. Farm Street, where the strongest of the sightings was, used to be a “tribal” road that ran through that area until it was developed. Several witnesses saw an animal that either tried to avoid or that attacked them over two or three nights. Two were spotted while driving on that road and saw it right off the road while another saw it as he walked home. That run in seems the most disturbing as there was a standoff between the two at only several yards. They all described a frail and weakly animal, about four feet long that walked on all fours or stood upright. They said it was like a dog, although the descriptions I have read, with elongated limbs, a pinkish color in parts and the odd sized head, remind me more of a sloth. It had no eyes, mouth or ears, but it eyes were huge and glowing, with some people seeing orange, some red and some green. Although it did not seem hostile in most cases, it did take an attack stance for one witness. Witness noticed it walked on two feet, but looked comfortable on all fours as well. Native Americans believe it might be a spirit referred to as a Menneqishi or even like those described in my Freetown report. The witnesses were assessed and their credibility backed up. They seemed to be, despite their age, good kids who seemed genuinely effected by what they had experienced. Teachers and the teens parents believed them. The reports themselves were leaked, so there is little evidence they even wanted the story to get out. Some might attribute the occurrence to bored teens looking for something to do on a Friday night, but this does not seem to be the case. The Demon and the effects it created were beyond the technology of a person to create at that time, more of a job for Hollywood than locals. It would be quite a sophisticated trick for little reason. |