The Moon-Eyed People are believed to be an ancient group of beings associated with the Native American tribes inhabiting the Appalachian region. Various legends and oral traditions have been passed down through generations, contributing to their mystique. While details and interpretations vary, common threads emerge in the stories. The Moon-Eyed People are often described as having light skin, large luminous eyes, and an aversion to sunlight.

The Cherokee Nation, prominent in the Appalachian region, has its own accounts of encounters with the Moon-Eyed People. Historian James Mooney documented Cherokee legends in the late 19th century, noting references to a light-skinned, underground-dwelling people who were said to be friendly towards the Cherokee.

The Moon-Eyed People were said to have pale or light-colored skin, large round eyes, and an aversion to sunlight. They were believed to be nocturnal or subterranean creatures, emerging at night or residing in underground dwellings.

The stories surrounding the Moon-Eyed People often portray the Moon-Eyed People as peaceful, friendly, and skilled in various arts and crafts.

They were believed to have lived in the Appalachian mountains of eastern North America. The specific locations mentioned in the legends vary, but the general notion is that they inhabited the remote and secluded areas of the region.

The underground dwellings were often described as hidden and inaccessible to outsiders.

The legends also mention encounters between the Moon-Eyed People and other indigenous tribes and these interactions were typically portrayed as peaceful and sometimes involved cultural exchange or cooperation.

Moon-Eyed People were described as having distinct physical characteristics. While the details may vary in different accounts, the following traits are commonly attributed to them:

• Light-colored or pale skin: The Moon-Eyed People were often depicted as having skin that was lighter or paler compared to other indigenous groups in the region. This light complexion is frequently associated with their nocturnal or subterranean lifestyle.
• Large, round eyes: One of the defining features of the Moon-Eyed People is their eyes. They were described as having disproportionately large and luminous eyes. These eyes were believed to possess a special ability to see clearly in the dark or in moonlight.
• Aversion to sunlight: The Moon-Eyed People were said to be sensitive to sunlight and preferred to avoid direct exposure. Their nocturnal or underground lifestyle was attributed to this sensitivity, allowing them to thrive in low-light environments.

Oral Tradition and Personal Accounts:

The primary source of reported encounters with the Moon-Eyed People lies within the oral tradition passed down through generations. Within Appalachian communities, there are individuals who claim to have had personal experiences or family stories recounting encounters with these beings. These anecdotes often describe brief interactions, sightings, or even friendships with the Moon-Eyed People.

Folklore and Local Legends:

Many encounters with the Moon-Eyed People are intertwined with local legends and folklore. Folklorists and storytellers have documented these tales, which contribute to the collective narrative surrounding the Moon-Eyed People. 

Historical Accounts:

While historical accounts mentioning the Moon-Eyed People are scarce, some early settlers and explorers in the Appalachian region documented encounters with peculiar tribes or groups that share similarities with the Moon-Eyed People. These accounts, although limited in number, provide additional context for the legends and beliefs surrounding these mythical beings.

Archaeological Findings:

a) Track Rock Gap Petroglyph Site: Located in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest, the Track Rock Gap site contains petroglyphs that some researchers speculate may depict the Moon-Eyed People. Interpretations vary, and the association remains speculative.

b) Fort Mountain State Park: In northern Georgia, Fort Mountain features the remains of an ancient stone wall believed to have been constructed by indigenous people. Folklore and speculation link this structure to the Moon-Eyed People.  

According to one Cherokee legend, this wall is a remnant of a war that the Moon-Eyed people fought and lost against the neighboring Creek nation. The Creeks drove the Moon-Eyed People from their homeland during a full moon, which even the pale light of is blinding to these nocturnal people.

Another version of the story has is that it was the Cherokee themselves who waged war against the Moon-Eyed People, driving them from their home at Hiwassee, a village near what is now Murphy, North Carolina, west into Tennessee. Both versions of the story say the Moon-Eyed People began living underground after losing the war.

John Haywood's "The Natural and Aboriginal History of Tennessee" (1823):

John Haywood, a Tennessee historian, makes a passing reference to a tribe with unusual physical characteristics in his book. While not explicitly mentioning the Moon-Eyed People, his account serves as an early historical source that hints at the existence of a distinctive group in the Appalachian region.

Western Carolinian Newspaper (1829):

An article published in the Western Carolinian newspaper recounts the discovery of a large underground structure in Tennessee. The article mentions the discovery of an alleged race of light-skinned people with blue eyes, possibly corresponding to the Moon-Eyed People of Appalachian folklore.

James Mooney's Research on Cherokee Legends:

James Mooney, an ethnographer and historian, documented Cherokee legends and oral traditions in the late 19th century. His work references encounters between the Cherokee Nation and a friendly tribe with light skin, potentially alluding to the Moon-Eyed People. Mooney's research provides valuable insights into the folklore and mythology of the Appalachian region.

Folklore Collections and Regional Studies:

Various folklore collections and regional studies have mentioned the Moon-Eyed People as part of the Appalachian storytelling tradition. While not historical accounts in a strict sense, these works compile and document the folktales, legends, and encounters associated with the Moon-Eyed People.