Spearfinger: The Stone Witch of the Smokies

Hello, everyone! Welcome to our first entry for our new weekend blog post! Every Sunday, we are going to bring you a new story about local folklore, myths, hauntings, cryptids, UFO sightings, and everything in between! If anyone is familiar with these stories or has their own story to share, please feel free to share with us in the comments!

For our story today, we will be taking a look at a figure that is prominent within local Cherokee folklore, “Spearfinger.” Deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, the Cherokee whisper of a female entity that they refer to as U’tlun’ta. Her name means “the one with the pointed spear,” this referring to her deadly finger. She is often described as having her skin made out of stone, and she is sometimes also called Nûñ'yunu'ï, which means “Stone-dress.” Her mouth is reported to be stained with blood from the livers she has eaten from her victims (an icky meal, if you ask me!) Often, she will be seen clutching her right hand very tightly. This is because she is guarding her only vulnerable spot, her heart, nestled in her right palm.

She is said to live along the eastern side of Tennessee and the western side of North Carolina, inside the Smoky Mountains. In Tennessee, Spearfinger is said to wander the trail that joins Chilhowee Mountain and the Little Tennessee River. She is also said to pass through the area around Nantahala River. The Cherokee regard her favorite home as Whiteside Mountain, located in North Carolina, also known as the thunder mountain. Why? Because it is said that when she is walking the mountains, her footfalls sound of thunder, and her voice echoes down the valleys, scaring the birds away. The Cherokee see this as a warning sign. So, if you are ever out in the Smokies and hear thunder, beware the presence of Spearfinger, for she could be lurking nearby.

Aside from her deadly finger and stone skin, Spearfinger is also said to be able to shapeshift into the family members of her child victims, luring them in to eat their livers! She is also seen to take the guise of a harmless old lady to instill indifference in those around her.

Spearfinger was said to have at one time tried to build a great stone bridge between Hiwassee and Whiteside Mountain, located on the Blue Ridge. According to legend, this upset the higher beings because it came too close to their Upper World. They regarded her actions as arrogant, and struck it down with a great lightning storm. The Cherokee pointed out the location where they claim the ruins of Spearfinger’s Nûñyû'-tlu`gûñ'yï, or “Tree Rock,” on Hiwassee, remain, even today. The site of these remains is located in Blount County, and they’re called “U’Tluntun'yi,” which means “The Spearfinger Place.” Personally, we would like to find that place and check it out.

According to local customs, Cherokee people have traditionally burned brushfires that cover the entire mountainside so that they can easily hunt the chestnuts that fall from the trees. Spearfinger is known for being attracted to these fires. During other seasons, she is known to search for clouds of smoke that rise from the valley. In spite of these things, her most dangerous attribute is her deception. She can appear harmless and trustworthy, shielding her identity and powers while she lures unsuspecting children to their doom.

If you would like to learn more about Spearfinger, check out her wiki online or go check out “Dixie After Dark” on YouTube for a more in-depth look at the legend.

Have you felt anything eerie or supernatural in Spearfinger’s territory, deep within the Smoky Mountains? Seen the remains of her “Spearfinger Place” in Blount County? Have another legend to share? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks for reading, and keep seeking truth in the shadows!