Lagahoo, Ligahoo or Lugarhou, according to Caribbean folklore, a mythical, shape shifting monster that is said to roam lonely areas at night while stalking their prey. (a) (Lugarhoo (Lagahoo or Loup Garou), Caribbean Folklore. | Mythology & Folklore Amino, 2017) The first sighting was at the village of Layma in Icacos, Trinidad. (b) McIntyre, 2019) There have been many rumors that persons would hear the Lagahoo dragging chains while they were on their way home.
This creature can take many forms. He seems as just a normal human during the day but can take the form of a headless man that carries a wooden coffin on his back. He tend to carry his chains around his neck where it would rattle as it is dragging in his hand, which changes size and these chains are representations of slavery. He also has the ability to change or shape-shift into various animals such as wolves, pigs or even goats. (c) (Pollard and Hardit-Singh, 2018)
In order to kill the Lagahoo, someone must beat this character with a stick that has been soaking in holy water or holy oil for several days. While the demon is being beaten, it is possible, it will change into other forms such as a snarling dog, a wild bull and thunderous waves of water and finally will disappear into a mist. (d) (Things That Go Bump, 2015)
There is an article from the Trinidad’s and Tobago’s daily express that I found was very intriguing while researching this character. They spoke about a ‘white man’ of Garth Road, Princes Town, speaking about jumbies, lagahoos and different local ghosts.
References
a) Mythology & Folklore | aminoapps.com. 2017. Lugarhoo (Lagahoo Or Loup Garou), Caribbean Folklore. | Mythology & Folklore Amino. [online] Available at: <https://aminoapps.com/c/mythfolklore/page/blog/lugarhoo-lagahoo-or-loup-garou-caribbean-folklore/PMYx_leCmuNYVJKga2n7MmMKanJYrLXZQp>.
b) McIntyre, J., 2019. “The First Lagahoo”. [online] Akashicbooks.com. Available at: <http://www.akashicbooks.com/the-first-lagahoo-by-junior-mcintyre/>.
c) Pollard, R. and Hardit-Singh, A., 2018. T&T Folklore Pt. 7: THE LAGAHOO. [online] Trinbago Stories. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAkl0cLee2k>.
d) Things That Go Bump. 2015. Things That Go Bump. [online] Available at: <https://they-hide-in-the-dark.tumblr.com/post/119105407065/lagahoo-a-werewolf-creature-from-the-caribbean>.
Under the Cotton Tree 