The Wendigo

Wendigos aren’t as historically entrenched in pop culture. Probably due to their very specific origin from Algonquian-speaking tribes of North America, particularly among the Ojibwe, Cree, and Innu peoples, but that by no means makes them any less intriguing and terrifying.

The legend of the Wendigo orginated from the harsh, unforgiving winters of the northern forests, where survival was a constant struggle. According to folklore, Wendigos were once humans who, driven by extreme hunger and desperation, resorted to some pretty extreme eating habits... As a result of their taboo acts, they were transformed into monstrous creatures, cursed to roam the forests eternally in search of human prey.

They are often depicted as gaunt and emaciated, with skin pulled tightly over their bones. Add in glowing eyes and long, yellowed fangs, these creepy beasts are one I wouldn’t mind never encountering in the wild.

Probably due to their terrifying appearance, and less than child friendly transformation story, they very rarely appear in children’s fiction. They do however, appear in various adult horror stories. From Algernon Blackwood’s 1910 novella, ‘The Wendigo’, to the 1999 horror film ‘Ravenous’. Most noticeably (for me), the Wendigo made an appearance in ‘Charmed’ and ‘Supernatural’ cementing it into pop culture history.

Like all horror myths and legends, the wendigo serves as a representation of a part of humanity that some might rather forget. In this particular case, it represents extreme hunger, greed and the ultimate loss of humanity. It embodies the fear of becoming something monstrous through immoral actions and the surrender to base instincts.

Now, whilst the Wendigo and the Werewolf may seem like closely related cousins, their origins are vastly different. Werewolves are deeply rooted in European folklore, with tales dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, whilst Wendigos originate in North America. Werewolves are only prone to going all hairy monster a few select times a month when the moon is full, whilst the Wendigo is forever transformed after unspeakable acts. Even their appearance is vastly different. Whilst Wendigos are gaunt and skeletal, Werewolves are powerful, strong and muscular.

However, despite these differences, in modern horror and pop culture, the lines between the two can sometimes blur, leading to brand new imaginings of creatures often holding characteristics of both horror legends.

Though terrifying, horrific, and generally unappetising, the lore of the Wendigo is so specific and rich, I would love to see these guys represented in some form of PG way, in more horror stories for kids.