The Wendigo

"The Wendigo" by Algernon Blackwood is a horror story set in the Canadian wilderness that deals with the primal fears of man when faced with the unknown. Dr. Cathcart, his nephew Simpson, and their guides journey into the backwoods in search of moose, but find something much more sinister: the Wendigo, a ghostly creature that represents the terror of the wild. The story begins with the group in the desolate woods after unsuccessful hunting days. Tensions rise, mainly around the guide, Défago, who seems afraid of their location. As night comes, the camp gains an eerie feel; while Simpson and Défago try to relax by the fire, Défago's strange behavior makes the tension worse. After a scary song, Défago becomes greatly upset, leading to a terrifying series of events where he is pulled into the forest by an unseen horror, leaving Simpson to face the fear caused by the Wendigo. The opening creates suspense and dread, hinting at themes of madness and an overpowering fear of nature.