"Croatoan" in American Horror Story refers to a powerful word used to banish spirits and other malevolent supernatural entities.
The Mysterious Word: CROATOAN in AHS
The enigmatic word "Croatoan" plays a significant role in the supernatural lore of American Horror Story, primarily appearing and being developed across two seasons: Murder House (Season 1) and Roanoke (Season 6). Its consistent purpose across both seasons is to repel or dispel spirits.
Origins and Evolution in AHS
The concept of "Croatoan" in American Horror Story builds upon the real-world historical mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, where the word was found carved into a post after the disappearance of the colonists. The show reinterprets this historical enigma, imbuing the word with supernatural power.
In the series, the word's meaning and efficacy are gradually unveiled:
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Season 1: Murder House
- The word "Croatoan" first appears in this season. It is seen scrawled by Tate Langdon, a ghost trapped in the Harmons' house, though its full significance is not immediately clear.
- It is implied to be a way to protect against or ward off malevolent spirits, hinting at its eventual purpose.
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Season 6: Roanoke
- The use of "Croatoan" is significantly expanded and clarified in Roanoake, which directly explores the supernatural events surrounding the Lost Colony.
- Here, the word is explicitly revealed as a potent incantation capable of banishing spirits back to their origins or trapping them.
- Characters like the Witch of the Wood (Scathach) and later Lee Harris utilize the word as a direct means of protection or offense against the numerous ghosts and entities haunting the Roanoke property. For example, Lee invokes "Croatoan" multiple times to try and banish the vengeful spirits of the Blood Moon.
The consistent thread between its appearances in both seasons is its intended use as a tool against supernatural entities, specifically to banish spirits.
Key Aspects of Croatoan's Use
| Season | Context of Use | Revealed Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Murder House (S1) | Written by Tate Langdon | Implied to ward off |
| Roanoke (S6) | Explained by ancient spirits; chanted by characters | Explicitly banishes |
Practical Insights
The depiction of "Croatoan" in American Horror Story offers a unique perspective on dealing with supernatural threats within the show's universe:
- A Word of Power: It's not just a word, but a mystical utterance imbued with ancient power.
- Spirit Banishing: Its primary function is to send spirits away, often forcefully, making it a valuable tool for those tormented by the dead.
- Historical Connection: The show cleverly weaves the historical mystery into its supernatural narrative, giving the word a chilling and resonant background.
The interpretation of "Croatoan" in American Horror Story transforms a historical enigma into a compelling element of supernatural defense, making it one of the series' most memorable and effective mystical components.
