The Flaming Ship of Ocracoke and Other Tales of the Outer Banks

by Charles Harry Whedbee, Virginia Ingram (Illustrator)

Every September, on the first night of the new moon, there are those who vow they see a flaming ship sail three times past the coast of Ocracoke. No matter the direction or velocity of the wind, this fiery vessel moves swiftly toward the northeast, they say, always accompanied by an eerie wailing sound. The story of this ship is but one of the colorful legends intrinsic to the charm of North Carolina's historic coastland. From the northern tip of the Outer Banks to the lower end of the sweeping shoreline, there are stories to be found . . . and to be told with gusto, or awe, or sometimes with horror. Charles Harry Whedbee was an elected judge in his native Greenville, North Carolina, for thirty-plus years, but his favorite place was the Outer Banks, Nags Head in particular. Whedbee was the author of five folklore collections. He died in 1990. For decades, the folk tales of Charles Harry Whedbee have been available wherever you care to look on the Outer Banks. Their popularity has transcended Whedbee's loyal readership among North Carolinians and visitors from the Northeast and the Midwest.

Genres: Short Stories, History, Nonfiction, American History

153 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1971

About the author

CHARLES H. WHEDBEE was born and still resides in Greenville, North Carolina. He was educated at the University of North Carolina, taking his law degree in 1932. He has been Solicitor of Pitt County Court and now serves as Municipal Court Judge in Greenville. He began telling legends of the coastal area on WNCT-TV in Greenville, as a panelist on the "Carolina Today" progrm. He and his wife and their dog, Chief Manteo of Roanoke, spend a large part of their summers at Nag's Head, where Judge Whedbee has been a regular since infancy.

Reviews

[Cecilia Bigelow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful folklore tales of the Outer Banks, North Carolina! I’ve always loved the beach and reading this gives me more respect for the wonders of the ocean.
First two and the last tales are the spookiest with sword fights, flaming ships of death, and bloody murder. Not extremely scary though. All stories seem to possess a bit of magic and mystery.
My favorite tales are:

The Duel at Hammock House- a deadly sword fight

Pin Hill- involves Poseidon and 3 wishes (careful what you wish for). After reading this I became hooked on this author and bought all 4 other books he wrought. (Charles Harry Whedbee only wrote 5 books in his life.)

The female of the species- 2 female pirates during the time in which it was said to be bad luck allowing women on a ship

Freshponds Will- story behind how ‘kill devil hills’ got its name

Porpoise Sal- a mysterious woman found on shore, not mermaid, but dolphin? (A very heartwarming story)

Highly recommend if you love the beach and are interested in historical myths or if you need something different to read than just murder mysteries all the time.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a North Carolinian, I am fascinated by the history and folklore of the state. Whedbee is an excellent source of both. This is just one in a series focused on the Outer Banks.

[Carley Courts]

The Flaming Ship of Ocracoke & Other Tales of the Outer Banks by Charles Harry Whedbee is fun collection of tall tales and folklore about the North Carolina area. The Flaming Ship of Ocracoke & Other Tales of the Outer Banks is the second of Mr. Whedbee's collection of coastal folklore out of the five he has written. These tales included a flaming ship that is said to be seen every first new moon in September, to female pirates hiding their true gender. There are even tales of how the devil was "killed" and of a women who had a pirate as their godfather. Not only did this book make me want to look into the folklore of North Carolina, it also made me want to look into the folklore of America in general as well as the state I was born in. Each tale made me keep turning the page while I read as I thought about if any of these stories were indeed true. If you are a fan of the tall tale and folklore genre then I would highly recommend this book and the other four part of Mr. Whedbee's collection of coastal folklore.

[Gretchen Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for ghost stories about the Outer Banks, this is your best bet!

[Martha Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for Christmas because of my lovee for the Outer Banks and it was such a fun read!

[groovygab · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Banks are a special place, full of a wild history and known as the graveyard of the Atlantic, the tales and folklore of the area range from informative to superstitiously magical. I loved this collection!

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and entertaining stories.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. Part of my pre-vacation line-up for visiting the Outer Banks.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was made all the more fun while camping at Ocracoke. This is an entertaining collection of tales of the Outer Banks.

[Cat Sinkez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second I've read from this series, these are perfect for reading on the beach!

[Jocelyn Montalvo Cullum]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11868368

[Emily Me’Shell Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book,have an autographed copy wishing me a Merry Christmas from 1985🥰