wendigo Definition
a malevolent supernatural being from the folklore of the indigenous peoples of North America, known for its cannibalistic tendencies and association with winter and famine.
Using wendigo: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wendigo" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The wendigo is often depicted as a tall, emaciated figure with glowing eyes and long claws.
Example
According to legend, those who resort to cannibalism in times of famine risk becoming wendigos themselves.
Example
The wendigo is a popular subject in horror fiction and video games.
Phrases with wendigo
a cultural-bound syndrome that occurs among certain indigenous communities, characterized by an intense craving for human flesh and a fear of turning into a wendigo
Example
The Cree people believe that wendigo psychosis can be cured through traditional healing practices.
a spiritual force associated with the wendigo, believed to possess individuals and cause them to commit acts of violence and cannibalism
Example
Some indigenous communities perform rituals to appease the wendigo spirit and prevent it from causing harm.
a set of stories and beliefs surrounding the wendigo, passed down through generations of indigenous peoples in North America
Example
The wendigo legend varies across different tribes and regions, but generally portrays the creature as a malevolent force that preys on humans.
Summary: wendigo in Brief
The term 'wendigo' [wen-di-goh] refers to a malevolent supernatural being from the folklore of indigenous peoples in North America. It is known for its cannibalistic tendencies and association with winter and famine. The wendigo is often depicted as a tall, emaciated figure with glowing eyes and long claws. Legends surrounding the wendigo include 'wendigo psychosis,' a cultural-bound syndrome characterized by an intense craving for human flesh, and 'wendigo spirit,' a spiritual force associated with the creature.