The Origin of the Wendigo Legend: Tribes and Characteristics

The Wendigo legend is a fascinating and macabre tale that has captivated the imaginations of many people around the world. Its roots can be traced back to the Algonquian-speaking Native American tribes, specifically the Cree, Ojibwe, Innu, and Anishinaabe peoples. This article will delve into the origins of the Wendigo myth, the tribes associated with it, and what a Wendigo is said to look like.

The Algonquian Connection

According to various sources, the Wendigo legend seems to have originated among the Algonquian-speaking Native American tribes. These tribes include the Ojibwe, Saulteaux, and the Cree. Many Native American folklore experts believe that the legend of the Wendigo may be related to the memory of the Andaste (also known as the Seneca) who were described as seven-foot-tall cannibals. For more information on the Andaste, you can refer to my video on Adena monoliths on YouTube.

Native American Tribes Associated with the Wendigo Legend

The Wendigo myth is deeply ingrained in the traditional stories and teachings of several Native American tribes. These tribes include the Cree, Ojibwe, Innu, and Anishinaabe. Additionally, other tribes in the Great Lakes area, such as the Iroquois, Huron, Seneca, Mohawk, and Chippewas, are also associated with similar myths, such as the Wookalar.

Characteristics and Origin

The Wendigo is a creature from Native American folklore that is often described as an evil spirit, bush witch, or a shape-shifter. It is said to wear a deer skull and drive its victims into an insatiable hunger, leading them to cannibalize their victims. This wicked spirit is associated with several prominent tribes, including the Iroquois, Huron, and the Six Nations.

Originally, the Wendigo was a cannibal—a human who had resorted to eating human flesh out of desperation. During harsh winters, when food was scarce, hunger and desperation could drive individuals to consume human corpses. These individuals were shunned by their communities and driven out, with their tragic stories becoming the basis for the Wendigo legend.

Appearance and Transformation

As the legend evolved, the Wendigo transformed from a human cannibal into an inhuman monster, a beast that preyed upon the innocent. The creature is often described as having a smoke-colored mummy-like figure and a gigantic, horrifying appearance. Its body reportedly grows larger with each meal it consumes, and its eyes are said to glow in the dark like rotting fish. It is also commonly depicted with antlers growing from its forehead.

Cultural Significance and Modern Media

The legend of the Wendigo has endured through the ages, appearing in various forms of modern media, including movies and literature. Notable examples include the film Ravenous and the short story by Algernon Blackwood titled The Wendigo. The Wendigo's popularity has also led to its cultural appropriation, a phenomenon where non-native individuals or groups adopt elements of a culture without appropriate knowledge, context, or approval.

Today, the Wendigo legend is often equated with the Scandinavian troll, serving as a cautionary tale that warns of the dangers of succumbing to evil desires and becoming an inhuman monster.