A wendigo (sometimes spelled “windigo”) is generally an evil spirit who hungers for human flesh. Wendigos are usually former humans transformed into monsters.

Wendigo legends originate with Algonquian-speaking people of the First Nations, in Canada. The creatures are usually associated with greed, hunger, and cannibalism, as well as the necessity for community and sharing resources. Rather than hungering for flesh or possessions, I hunger for knowledge.

Wendigos have been used by the First Nation peoples for teaching via cautionary tales and allegory. The tales about them are varied, as are the descriptions of them. Some of the original legends the First Nation peoples made described them as gaunt, mummified humanoids. Other stories said they appeared as giants, or with hearts of ice.

More modern, European-inspired interpretations include animal-like features, such as antlers. This is the form I prefer.

More information about wendigos can be found here, via the Canadian Encyclopedia.