No Longer Taking Questions Involving the Wendigo
I have made my stance on the Wendigo very clear: it is not your stock fantasy monsters to use. It can be used accurately if you ask the tribe in question how to use it, but if you’re looking for some “Native magic” to throw into the story, look elsewhere.
It is not a hybrid. Your character can’t be half-Wendigo or part-Wendigo or whatever. You are either possessed by the spirit, have become the whole spirit, or not involved with the Wendigo.
No, they can’t be “good” or anti-heros— they’re many cultures’ definition of evil.
No, they can’t be outside of their original Algonquin/Great Lakes peoples contexts.
This also means they don’t belong interacting with witches, especially Christian witches.
If you want to be respectful to Native cultures, put the Wendigo in its full context (including the fact it is evil in our societies) with multiple Native characters involved in the plot, or don’t use it at all.
The obsession with having Native characters be tied to the Wendigo is honestly disturbing. As mentioned, the Wendigo is often a definition of evil. It is an insatiable hunger; it is pure greed. It’s wild and untamed. It’s every negative stereotype of Native Americans— cannibals, demonic, rabid, indiscriminate hunters, a threat to civilized society— wrapped up into one.
Racism against Native Americans founded in these principles is still alive and well. Trace your logic for why you want a greedy cannibal hunter to be tied to your Native character.
We are not your monsters.
areudirty
ellievsbear
yousharknotpass
