The Legend of the Moon-Eyed People

In this episode of Get Weird, host Brittany Barbieri explores the Cherokee legend of the Moon-Eyed People—pale, nocturnal beings with light-sensitive eyes who allegedly inhabited the Appalachian Mountains before the Cherokee arrived. She examines historical accounts and theories about their origins, including albinism, ancient tribes, or even non-human entities, while drawing connections to similar legends around the world. Brittany emphasizes the importance of respecting Indigenous oral histories rather than dismissing them as mere folklore, encourages scientific open-mindedness, and suggests these beings may still exist, having evolved to remain hidden from humanity.