The Wendigo as Symbol of Corruption

The Wendigo represents the corrupting influence of the Micmac burying ground and the evil that lurks in the wilderness.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Myth and Reality

The Spirit of the North Legend Jud tells Louis about the Wendigo, a spirit that touches people and turns them into cannibals. It is associated with the burying ground. Encounters Louis senses the Wendigo in Little God Swamp. He sees its eyes and feels its presence. It is real. Symbolism The Wendigo symbolizes the corruption that comes from tampering with death. It is the embodiment of the evil of the place.

Corruption Spreads

The Wendigo's Influence Louis's Transformation After encountering the Wendigo, Louis's hair turns white. He is marked by the spirit. His sanity is shattered. Gage's Corruption The resurrected Gage is a vessel for the Wendigo's evil. He kills without remorse. The corruption is complete. The Cycle The Wendigo's influence perpetuates the cycle of death and resurrection. It is the ultimate source of the horror.

throughout the novel

May 1984