There are many definitions, almost as many as there were
Native Tribes before the Europeans came to this continent.
Most of Tribes knew of a creature they called "Windigo."
But a few of the Tribes (mainly in this part of Canada)
also feared another creature called the "Wendigo." Both of
these creatures can be found in Native American mythology.
But while Windigo is an actual animal, Wendigo is an animal
spirit. The following is a transcription of one of the most
comprehensive explanations of The Wendigo:
WENDIGO, THE SPIRIT OF THE LONELY PLACES Every man who
ventures alone into the wilderness should fear the spirit
of the lonely places, known as Wendigo in northern Canada
and by different names in other parts of the world. The
cunning of Wendigo is that it knows how to keep out of your
sight. As you travel, it is always behind your back. No
matter how quickly you may turn, it moves faster. As you
tramp through bush or forest, hills or desert, with no
other company but your thoughts, you become slowly aware
that Wendigo follows you. You may struggle against the
temptation to swing around, but at last you turn and there
is nothing. But you know that Wendigo has dodged behind you
again, and you move quickly to surprise it. Again nothing,
except perhaps the slightest movement of a bush. A breeze,
or an animal, or Wendigo? You gaze everywhere around you,
but there is nothing ... or so it seems. Wendigo torments
some men until they empty their rifles blindly into the
bush, screaming defiant challenges. But when the shots and
cries have died away the silence settles again. The
traveller plods on, and Wendigo follows. At night, it
hovers outside the circle of the campfire. At dawn, it
retreats in to the forest mist. As the days pass, Wendigo
speaks to the traveller in little sighing whispers: words
which he is not quite able to distinguish. Sometimes they
sound like the voice of a friend, so that he shouts an
amazed reply. Vainly he assures himself it is only the
wind. He may even glimpse Wendigo, as a shadow moving
between the trees or grass bending beneath invisible feet.
At last the traveller runs before Wendigo, casting aside
weapons, provisions, and all other gear that might hamper
his flight. Sobbing desperately he runs until the end of
his strength, and falls exhausted and alone.
The wilderness silence settles around the body, although
the treetops sway as though a wind had passed through them.
Wendigo has gone, but will always return.
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