The Wendigo originated from the Algonquin Native tribe. It is said to be a demonic spirit that possesses humans and turns them into cannibals. The term Wendigo describes both the evil spirit as well as the humans in which the spirit possesses.

The legend of the Wendigo first originated when lost hunters or people stuck in a time with little food, usually during a the winter seasons, turned to cannibalism for food. They are said to have been infected by the demonic spirit, which leads them to cannibalism. When affected by the spirit, the victim is known have violent outbursts.

Legend also states that there are numerous different ways to be infected by the Windego. It can occur by  a curse from the medicine man, dreaming of the Windego, being bitten by the Windego, or having a encounter with one.

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The Legend of the Windigo