where did the wendigo originate from

The origin of the Wendigo traces back to the indigenous tribes of North America, particularly those in the Great Lakes region, such as the Algonquin, Ojibwe, and Cree. Its presence in tribal folklore spans centuries, acting as a tale of darkness and cannibalism, instilled to evoke fear against such inhumane acts. Braced by the region's chilling winters and scarce resources, the Wendigo mythology symbolizes the peril of selfishness and greed.

Wendigo tales have deep roots within the folklore of many Native American tribes, especially for the people in the northern United States and Canada like the Algonquin-speaking tribes. The legend maintains a firm grip on the tribal culture, spanning several hundreds of years and it's utilized as a allegorical warning against greed and excess. The chilling winters and the scarcity of food supply during those long stretches have given birth to the Wendigo tales - a gruesome narrative of a creature that was once human, but with extreme desperation and hunger, resorts to the forbidden act of cannibalism. The afflicted soul would then transform into a Wendigo, forced to wander the land constantly seeking more victims to satiate an insatiable hunger. In essence, the legend of the Wendigo serves as a potent testament to the dangers of selfishness, greed and the extreme conditions of survival.