Read the introduction below and then explore this multimedia project on Appalachian folklore by clicking on the tabs located at the top of the website or clicking on the links that follow. This project encompasses a profile on a moonshiner and Appalachian legend, a graphic on the Mothman, a collection of old wives tales, an article on the origins of the popular folk song "Tom Dooley", a short documentary on Cherokee storytelling, an article on folk music in the high country, a photo essay on Lees-Mcrae's haunted history, a student survey, an Appalachian story told around the campfire, a collection of student poetry inspired by folklore, and more. 

A whisper, a scream, a shout. Woven through the Appalachian mountains is a rich history that makes noise. Whether it is a whisper of a folk tale ingrained with rich characters and themes, or a scream of horror of the mysterious and mythical creatures lurking through the forests, or a melodic tune drifting into your ears, there is a vast amount that the mountains are saying if you just open your ears and listen. 

A whisper passing down the sounds of a folk tail engrained with with rich characters and universal themes. An anonymous story spoken of love and loss and intrigue that fascinates people for ages, passed down from generations and travelling across oceans. You hear the syllables and beautiful entwine together from your grandma or hear it mixed together with the sounds of a fire crackling around a campfire. 

A scream echoes through the vast forests and ricochets off the mountains when you meet a big hairy creature stalking behind you like Bigfoot or feel red glowing eyes peeking out of the woods like Mothman. A gasp and shriek when you encounter one of the many spirits and ghosts haunting the historical buildings and trails scattered throughout our county. 

A hum of a folk song melodically set to a banjo or a dulcimer brings a community of people together to learn and share their own stories with variation and intrigue to connect generations. Tales of murder and love with supernatural elements excite and inspire you to keep sharing stories and to make your own. 

Folklore is deeply intertwined with Appalachian history. Whether it be a key person, a key place, or a key thing, there is so much to learn and to discover about what the mountains are saying. So just open your ears and listen for a minute.

Sofia Carmichael Selah Greer Edie Berke Katherine Hemrick Ella Hudzik