Wendigo Psychosis
Hunter Harkey
Definition;
A condition in which individuals crave human flesh, even if other food sources are plentiful
Origin;
- Derived from Algonquian people, along the Atlantic coast and Great Lakes region.
- Algonquian people believed that those whom took part in practices of cannibalism
- were at high risk of developing this
- Considered to be somewhat of a "Balance of nature"
- Believed to be a "demonic spirit" which takes over ones body whom has partaken in acts of cannibalism
Modern Thoughts;
- There is a huge debate over this disorder, and wether or not its in fact a real disorder
- Wendigo was a popular study and phenomenon among psychologists in the early 1900's
- Some believe this disorder could be a misinterpretation of Algonquian culture, and myths
Swift Runner Case;
Winter of 1878; Swift Runner and his family began to starve whenever his eldest son died. Swift killed his wife, and his 5 remaining children then ate them. They were only 25 miles from the nearest post where food was plentiful, which is why this is considered a case of Wendigo and not so much cannibalism. This wasn't a "last resort" situation, appeared to be a case of Wendigo.