NO NO NO! WENDIGO BAD WRONG! · 10:42pm Oct 21st, 2015
First I heard the name in MLP, then It became the monster in the horror game "Until Dawn"
... I must say, It got me curious as to the real mythology behind the creature. ...funny thing is, the horror game wasn't far off from the real legend.
The Wendigo is a native american mythological spirit very tightly associated with cannibalism. Yep... cannibalism. The myth was originally forged in order to reinforce the social taboo of cannibalism. The Algonquian peoples didn't seem to like the idea of cannibalism much at all. So much so, that even in severe famine where the ONLY source of food available is human flesh, it wasn't tolerated. They believed the only acceptable way to end your suffering during a famine of such quantity is to commit suicide... or give in to death's sweet embrace.
In order to hammer in this value against cannibalism, the Algonquian developed the myth of the Wendigo.
The Wendigo is commonly depicted as an underweight (pfft, that's and understatement) half human with some qualities common in beasts. Things such as carnivorous teeth, animal-like heads, claws, antlers, and feral postures. It is believed to be a spirit that possesses those who have resorted to such lengths as cannibalism; turning them into the horrific monsters I just described.
Here: Some pictures, in case you wern't getting the full picture. (no pun intended)
Yeah... this creature isn't pleasant. Good thing it's a myth... right? Well... the thing about myths is... is that even the most elaborate ones have some grain of truth to them.
My friends... there is a real culture-specific disorder called "Wendigo Psychosis". There have been real documented cases of this thing actually happening. It involves a relentless craving for human flesh, one which can't generally be ignored like other cravings. The poor souls who have been affected by this psychiatric dysfunction often fallow through with their cravings and begin acting like feral monsters. Sad thing is... people who survive an attack by someone like this tend to fall into the placebo themselves shortly after. So... it spreads like a disease. I suppose its essentially another form of clinical lycanthropy.
Fear not though. I did say that this disorder is "culture-specific" and tends to affect those who actually believe in the legend of the Wendigo. It is a placebo after all. So, unless you believe, and are a part of the Algonquian... You have nothing to worry about.
...I think my morbid curiosities have gone a bit to far 
...do you? Let me know and I'll stop.
Anyway guys. Remember to always love and tolerate, and with that, I will see you all later.
and to think this guy was featured as a creature in Marvel
3487367 Yeah... I know right? Jeez XD
Huh, I didn't know that. . . learn something new everyday. MLP seems to have a wide range of mythology from native American to Greek to European.
I think Ursa Minor/Major bears and the Quarray eels are original, though, right? X3
3487772 Ursa major and minor, not completely. Their actually constellations in the night sky XD. Quarray eels... maybe. I might do some digging on them now that you've brought it to my attention XD
My mom saw the first picture, leaned her head into the next room and asked my dad if we had a flame thrower. The Thing is a creepy ass movie...
3487772 I think the Ursa major and Minor are Greek Constellations. I know they belong to a religion somewhere in Europe or the middle east...
3550017 Whaaat? XD
3550082 you've never seen The Thing? Made in the 70s. Creepy as hell.