Hoop snake
Also called Hoopsnake.
In American folklore, the Hoop snake is a unique serpent that grasps its tail in its mouth, forming a circle to roll swiftly after its prey. It combines speed and elusiveness, embodying the mythical and the bizarre in serpentine creatures, showcasing an uncanny agility.
At a glance
- Tradition
- American folklore
- Trait family
- The Tempest-Bringers
- Symbols
- Snake
Near this figure
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Snake is Snake is a broad serpent symbol of creation and guardianship; South American traditions name Snake a primordial earth-maker and giver of hunting arts.
why
In American folklore, the Hoop snake is a unique serpent that grasps its tail in its mouth, forming a circle to roll swiftly after its prey.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Serpentine elongated body
why
The Hoop snake, a creature of American folklore, is a serpent
- Self-forming wheel locomotion tail in mouth
why
When it spots its prey or feels threatened, it grasps its own tail in its mouth, forming a perfect circle.
Behaviour
- Rolls downhill to ambush from elevated position
why
It demonstrates problem-solving skills in its method of movement, and some tales suggest it can even plan ambushes by positioning itself at the top of hills, waiting to roll down upon unsuspecting victims.
- Venom withers vegetation on contact
why
The Hoop snake's bite is often described as incredibly venomous, with some stories claiming that its toxin can cause trees to wither and die upon contact.
Utility powers
- Superhuman speed
why
This living wheel then proceeds to roll at high speeds, chasing down its quarry or fleeing from danger with uncanny speed and agility.
Curses
- Blighting venom
why
The Hoop snake's bite is often described as incredibly venomous, with some stories claiming that its toxin can cause trees to wither and die upon contact.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Hero meets
2 citations
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Hoop Snake."
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Hoop Snake."