Forest Fables - The Cryptid Files
Photo by Vladimir Agafonkin on Unsplash
Did you know that forests cover about 30% of Earth, and some forests are estimated to be over a million years old?
Who knows what secrets they’ve hidden or are still hiding to this day?
Throughout history, many groups have theorized about fantastical creatures that lurk in the trees. Today we’ll be looking at the most terrifying ones I could find (and stomach). These horrors include cannibalistic demons, tantalizing spirits and a familiar face.
Let us delve into the wilderness and see who taps our shoulder first.
Wendigo
When I hear the word “Wendigo,” chills run down my spine. Tales of Wendigo derive from Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Abenaki, Siksika, Mi’kmaq, Ojibwe and Innu. The legend of Wendigo has existed for centuries, long before European arrival. The first European-written account of Wendigo was in the 16th century, written by Paul Le Jeune, a Jesuit missionary.
Wendigo is a cannibalistic monster that preys on weak and socially disconnected humans. According to Algonquian oral traditions, when a human’s spirit is overrun with greed or broken by extreme conditions, that human is prone to becoming a Wendigo. Legends vary; humans either transform by themselves or get possessed by a spirit.
Like its other details, Wendigo’s appearance and abilities vary. It is sometimes described as incredibly thin, to the point where the bones protrude out the host’s clammy skin. Scarier stories state that Wendigo is a giant that becomes larger the more it eats.
Wendigo is said to develop antlers or horns on its head, and its eyes are sunken or glowing. Other traits of Wendigo are incredibly sharp teeth, horrid breath and body odour. The abilities of Wendigo include superhuman strength and stamina, and animalistic senses.
Luckily for us, Wendigo is not invincible. It is said to be vulnerable to fire and conventional weaponry. Other claims state that the icy heart of a Wendigo must be cut out and incinerated to kill it. However, other legends claim that the only person who can kill a Wendigo is a First Nations shaman with a specific spell and ceremony.
Make sure to pack enough food for your next camping trip, lest you risk becoming a Wendigo.
Will-o’-The-Wisp
Have you ever been walking at night and sworn to yourself that you saw a bright light in the corner of your eye? You may have caught a glimpse of our next creature: Will-o’-the-wisp.
Originating from numerous European folk beliefs, Will-o’-the-wisp is a ghostly spirit or fairy that resembles a light. It is often seen at night, especially within swamps. It is an evil spirit that leads naïve travellers to supposed treasure but actually into danger. Its name comes from an 18th-century fairy tale about a sprite (ghost/fairy) named Will “who bears the wispy fire to trail the swains among the mire.” It is more commonly known as ignis fatuus, which means “foolish fire” in Latin.
Will-o’-the-wisp isn’t just a European folktale, but an international one. Tales come from Canada, the United States, Norway, Thailand, Australia and many more locations worldwide. Famous examples include the St. Louis Light in Saskatchewan, the annual Naga fireballs on the Mekong River in Thailand, and the Min Min lights in outback Australia.
As per usual, modern science ruins the fun. Scientists discovered the causation behind the Will-o’-the-wisp and similar tales. It is caused by the oxidation of phosphine, diphosphane, and methane, all compounds common in swamps. Produced by organic decay, these compounds, during oxidation, can create very quick flares of flame. No fairies here!
Bigfoot
You can’t talk about cryptids without mentioning the big man himself, Bigfoot.
Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is a large, ape-like creature that is said to live in the forests on the West Coast of North America. Origins of Bigfoot come from Native American tribes in the region, such as the Lummi, the Nlaka’pamux and the Wyandot people, to name a few. Better known origins come from footprints taken in 1811 by David Thompson and alleged photographs and video recordings by Roger Patterson in 1967.
Bigfoot is commonly described as muscular, covered in fur, stinky and the owner of, well, big feet. Footprints said to come from Bigfoot exceed 24 inches long and eight inches wide. It is said by some to belong to a nearly extinct species of humans who survive in isolation. Some say this race is related to similar legends like the Yeti of Asia, the Almas of Siberia, or the Himalayas' Abominable Snowman.
Bigfoot's legend is shrouded in mystery, but unfortunately, mostly around the legitimacy of its existence. Since its popularization between the 60s and the 80s, countless amounts of evidence have been debunked or deduced as forged. “Bigfoot tracks” belong to bears, videos are staged and photos are altered. Lab results support this skepticism. In 2017, fur analysis of supposed “Yeti fur” showed that the hair samples belonged to bears in the region. A final example, a “Yeti tooth,” belonged to a dog.
Still, I would like to believe. I’ve heard first-hand eyewitness accounts of strange tall men spotted in the wilderness. These stories don’t come from liars either. Alas, the elusive Bigfoot has yet to be caught and is likely never to be.
So stay safe out there! Practice diligence when adventuring out into the woods, and be sure to pack enough food, supplies and a camera if you see Bigfoot!
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