The Spooky Legend Every Oklahoma Kid Heard
From school lunchrooms to TV shows, Deer Woman still haunts Oklahoma folklore.
Indigenous Storyteller Shares Haunting Legend of the Deer Woman An Indigenous storyteller, known online as Sacred Cree, recently captivated a wide audience by sharing the traditional legend of the "Deer Woman." In a video that has garnered over 250,000 views, Sacred Cree recounted the various interpretations of this powerful figure from Native American folklore, emphasizing its role as a cautionary tale and a symbol of protection for women and children. According to the legend, the Deer Woman is described as an extraordinarily beautiful woman whose enchanting dance and hypnotic brown eyes can mesmerize onlookers. However, her true nature is revealed by her deer hooves and legs, which often instill fear in those who glimpse them. "Her dancing is like no other, and her brown eyes are so hypnotic, you won't be able to look away," Sacred Cree explained. One prominent version of the legend, highlighted in the video, tells of a young woman who was brutally attacked by a group of men and left to die. The spirits, witnessing this injustice, sent a fawn to comfort her in her final moments. She was then reborn as the Deer Woman, a shapeshifting spirit dedicated to seeking vengeance on men who commit such acts and protecting vulnerable women and children. "She is a powerful, shapeshifting spirit and a protector of women and children," Sacred Cree stated. The legend also notes that she can be banished with tobacco and chant, or her spell broken by noticing her hooves. The storyteller concluded by emphasizing the legend's enduring message: the Deer Woman can be seen as either a good or bad omen, "depending on who you are and how you treat women and children." The narrative serves as a potent reminder of respect and accountability within Indigenous communities.
From school lunchrooms to TV shows, Deer Woman still haunts Oklahoma folklore.
