NEW ORLEANS — Legend has it than an old, unpaved road courses through the remote environs east of New Orleans somewhere in St. Bernard Parish. The road has long been known as the center of unexplained disappearances, some of which have been blamed on strange, half-human creatures.
But stories often conflict on which road is the actual Grunch Road. Some say it lies in lower Algiers, past English Turn. Others say in Little Woods, off Haynes Blvd. Other stories place it down along River Road. Another account has it in Harahan, off Hickory. In this way, it is a lot like other mystery roads and crybaby bridges throughout the country.
Grunch Road Monster
He had goat-like legs. He wasn’t little like a goat, but he had goat legs, making him almost like the God Pan in stature. He lacked Pan’s quirky attitude or flute, which made him different. He was rather violent, in fact.
The most recent sightings of a goat-headed threat were in 2005, yet reports of it date back to just after the Louisiana Purchase. According to legend, The Grunch lives off the blood of humans and goats while hiding in the long grass. It preys on people who leave their vehicles parked on its nameake road after dark. It is reported that The Grunch would rip his victims’ bodies apart with his strong claws and vicious fangs.
The demon infant was castrated by Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau, according to one legend, and from what fell two animals arose. They attacked her and fled into the night, where they feasted on many New Orleanians.
Since then, the dirt and shell-covered Grunch Road has been paved. Many people think it turned into the Little Woods neighborhood’s Gannon Road.
The Grunch has not left any traces. But if a goat should show up in the middle of the night, run away!
