Something moves in the shadows of the Appalachian wilderness. The Cherokee have warned us for centuries about two entities that stalk these mountains—one that comes for the dying, and another cursed to wander alone forever.

The Raven Mocker arrives only when death approaches. This skeletal, shape-shifting entity feeds on the life force of the dying, stealing whatever years they had remaining. Only the most powerful medicine men can see it, though many report hearing the sound of rushing wings or mournful whistles before a loved one passes. We explore a chilling firsthand account of a family who believes they encountered this spirit as their grandfather lay dying, and the protective rituals still performed today to ward it off.

Then we venture deeper into the forest to uncover the tragic tale of the Wampus Cat—a woman transformed into a half-human, half-feline beast after being caught spying on a sacred male-only ritual. Her haunting screams still echo through the hills, and sightings of large, mysterious cats with piercing eyes continue from the Carolinas to Georgia. Are these just misidentified mountain lions, or something more supernatural?

These ancient legends blur the line between cryptid and spirit, raising fascinating questions about how traditional beliefs interpret encounters with the unknown. Both creatures serve as powerful warnings about crossing sacred boundaries and the consequences of violating spiritual taboos. As we conclude with our signature "would you rather" scenario, we're left wondering—are these just stories meant to keep people safe in dangerous wilderness, or do these watchers of old still linger in the forest, waiting for those who wander too far from the trail?

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