The Hodag: How Fakelore Became Real | Flyover Culture

Horns of an ox, the face of a frog, and a sensation that was entirely made up. This is the story of how the Hodag went from folklore to an extraordinary sideshow to becoming one of the Midwest's most beloved icons.
On this episode of Flyover Culture, we're heading up to the forests of northern Wisconsin to track down some Hodag experts and enthusiasts, learn what makes up "fakelore," or the "folklore-esque", and how it all ties into community identity.
Follow Dr. Brower's work on Twitter at @_LABrower and on Instagram and TikTok @drlowbrow.
To see the Hodag for yourself and other destinations around Rhinelander, check out: www.rhinelanderchamber.com/
Check out the Hodag Store, plus Ben and Kerry's podcast, at www.thehodagstore.com/.
Music - Universal Production Music
©2023 Trustees of Indiana University

[@davedaggit8162]

You should try reposting this video! It is one of the better Hodag videos I’ve seen and deserves more likes!!!

[@FlyoverCulture]

Hey thank you!!!

[@wilpotocki2453]

Hodag was an interesting fake creature. I lived in Rhinelander in the early 70's, and it's a charming, friendly town. The citizens are some of the nicest people. Left their for college back in the 70's and stayed out of state instead of returning for work. The Oneida County Courthouse is one of the most beautiful with it's green green Tiffany glass dome.

[@QuintonRe2s]

One of your best videos yet. Shocked this has no comments. I will say that your older thumbnail was much better tho!

[@FlyoverCulture]

Thanks bud, that means a lot!

[@DonJoeBob]

I have a growing interest in Cryptid culture and after attending the incredibly fun Mothman Festival last year, it only made that grow. The Hodag fest is considerably smaller by comparison but looks like so much fun with a community that really embraces what they have. Thanks for a great video with good info that's very well presented. Definitely subbed and will look forward to seeing more from the channel.

[@FlyoverCulture]

Thanks for watching and welcome to the cryptid army!

[@codymanthey5694]

If you want to see the original hodag Eugene shepherd used just visit the rhinelander logging museum. I was there and it's pretty cool

[@randymente80]

Seen one in the woods when i was 20 years old never went back in the woods since..

[@erucolindo87]

lol girlbossed

[@deborahwinsberg6100]

The second 1/2 of this video, with the folklore doctor is so boring. The reference to native drawings was interesting.

[@FlyoverCulture]

thx Deb