L E G E N D S







There are countless legends surrounding the lights. One of the most popular was used in a bluegrass song called �Brown Mountain Light.� It was written by Scott Wiseman (nephew of the man after whom Wiseman�s View was named) and originally performed by Tommy Faile. It has been re-done by a number of artists. Here is that version of the tale:

Brown Mountain was named after a plantation owner who lived in the area in the 1800s. He was kind to his slaves. One night, he ventured onto the mountain to hunt. When he did not return, one of his slaves took a lantern and scoured the ridge for him. He, too, was never seen again. Today, you can still see the slave�s lantern burning as his spirit still searches for his master.

Of course, the mountain produces multiple lights at the same time. However, the songwriter must have liked the image of a single, devoted slave. The song using this legend was performed at the Grand Ole Opry and became quite a hit. For a while after its release, light watching reached an all-time peak.

Another popular tale, which dates back to the year 1200, involves a vicious battle on the ridge between the Cherokee and Catawba Indians. Some of the best warriors died. That night, after the fight, the Indian maidens lit torches and scoured the ridge for bodies. The mournful scene was so tragic and intense, it still haunts the mountain.

Others tell of a man who murdered his wife and child and secretly buried them on Brown Mountain. Shortly thereafter, the lights began appearing over their hidden graves. Locals were drawn to investigate the illumination and discovered the bodies. However, the murderer escaped and was never seen nor heard from again.

Of course, tales of UFOs, aliens, inter-dimensional beings, little people, fairies and such are also widespread. There are some who believe the lights might even be conscious �beings of energy� who live inside the mountain.

Brown Mountain has inspired more myths, folk tales, and superstitions than we can document. It�s certainly easy to see why.




All content copyright � 2000 by Shadowbox Enterprises, LLC