Creatures of Mythology//Mythological Lore

A Wendigo is most commonly known as a mythical creature appearing in the mythology of the Algonquin people, who inhabited what is now present day Quebec^[1]. A Wendigo is a cannibalistic spirit that could possess humans, or into which humans could transform.

Origin: The mythological Wendigo originated from the Algonquian speaking tribes of the United States. The creature in their stories was a spirit that could possess humans and turn them into cannibals. According to their myths, the Wendigoes were “embodiments of gluttony, greed, and excess; never satisfied after killing and consuming one person, they were constantly searching for new victims.” It is said that in some traditions, greedy humans could be turned into Wendigoes. That myth was used to create cooperation and moderation in the people.

Appearance: The Wendigo is described as an extremely gaunt person with skin the colour of death, and with eyes pushed back into their sockets. The lips of the Wendigo were always tattered and bloody. Because of the uncleanness in which they lived, the Wendigo gave off a of an odor of decay.

Influence On The Modern Day: Lately, in today’s culture, Wendigoes have become a large part of the horror world. Wendigoes appear in numerous computer games, such as Final Fantasy^[2], and Dungeons and Dragons^[2]. In these popular games, there is actually very little in common with the mythological Wendigo. In today’s culture, the Wendigo is portrayed as a huge hairy beast, similar to the werewolf. In the myths, a Wendigo is a person who has turned cannibal.