Case file · Folklore / legend
High John the Conqueror
In African American folklore High John de Conquer is a trickster hero who came from Africa and helped the enslaved survive by laughter and wit; his name is also given to a root used in hoodoo charms.
1943 CE · 28.61, -81.39 · status: legend
The account
Zora Neale Hurston wrote him up in 'High John de Conquer' (American Mercury, 1943), drawing on Florida tellers. The root, usually from a morning-glory, is carried for luck and power.