Nain Rouge

The Nain Rouge, French for "red dwarf", is a mythical creature that some believe originated in Normandy, France, as a type of lutin. Contrary viewpoints speculate that the alleged creature is more closely related to the Algonquin myths of "Glooscap" who, it is said, created protective nature spirits and dwarves in the Midwestern United States. Original legends tell of the creature being seen as a protector of Detroit, Michigan, but, due to modern interpretations, is now feared by its residents as "the harbinger of doom."

Detroit urban legend

His appearance is said to presage terrible events for the city. The Nain Rouge appears as a small childlike creature with red or black fur boots. He is also said to have "blazing red eyes and rotten teeth." (Skinner 1896)

The creature is said to have attacked the first white settler of Detroit in 1701, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac who, soon after, lost his fortune. The creature is also said to have appeared on July 30, 1763 before the Battle of Bloody Run, where 58 British soldiers were killed by Native Americans from Chief Pontiac's tribe. The small tributary of the Detroit River which still flows through what is now Elmwood Cemetery turned red with blood for days after the battle. It is said he was seen dancing on the banks of the Detroit River.