Skinwalkers, Wendigos, and the Witchery Way

by Kellen on October 27, 2013
Western History Collection

Just in time for Halloween!

As myths and legends of monsters and ghouls have been perpetuated through the ages, it is interesting to note that many do not have American origins. But there are some hellish legends that do. Like I discussed in my last blog, the Wendigo is a myth that originated in this country and has been passed down for generations amongst Native Americans. The legend of the Wendigo always held a great deal of realism to me more so than any goofy vampire, mummy, or Frankenstein’s Monster. The idea that one could suffer demonic possession after cannibalizing another human frightened me to the core. And the fact that, after suffering this possession, the demon could look, walk, and act like a human was truly frightening. Indian tribes believed that when one was possessed by the Wendigo they would crave human flesh. And when they partook of this ghastly meal they would steal a person’s “essence” and inherit their strength. The more these demons ate the more powerful they would become almost achieving immortality. Real cannibals have always existed in this country and they have taken many forms from Alferd Packer to Jeffery Dahmer. These men moved amongst the general public devouring human flesh with complete impunity.

Western Indian tribes also believed in supernatural beings known as Skinwalkers. The Navajo tribe especially believed that these Skinwalkers were shape-shifters who could assume the form of any animal which allowed them to travel quickly and gave them the ability to hide in plain sight. Specifically, a person is said to gain the power to become a Skinwalker upon initiation into the Witchery Way. The initiation into the Witchery Way involved murdering a close relative, especially a sibling; other crimes also associated with it were necrophilia, and grave-robbing. Once one has been initiated into the Witchery Way they become “pure evil.” It is interesting to note that in the Native culture most witches were male not female.

So as Halloween approaches with all its devilish delight, take a second look at that neighbor of yours you always suspected of being a little strange. Perhaps he is truly a Wendigo lurking in the night. Or maybe, just maybe, the family dog or cat is actually a Skinwalker in disguise. Whatever the case, lock your doors, stay up late, and have a Happy Halloween!

I live in Manitoba Canada. There are many stories of these types of things occuring. On many reservations it's like anywhere else there are good and bad people. People who are traditional either practice this way to benefit themselves community or use it for their selfish ways. I heard stories of wendigos in northern communities, a man hunting on a trapline in his hunting shed and a huge man or creature looking at him through the window and it's eye was as big as the window. I've heard stories of healers (haiokas) in Dakota territories that are contrary. Walking into a pow wow contest backwards on a horse, the animals acting weird (eg. Usually dogs chase their tail well the dogtail is chasing the dog.) I myself have seen shadow people and under the influence other more scary things. Wendigos I think are spirits, skinwalkwrs are evil medicine men, other things maybe shapeshifters.

Submitted by Desiree (not verified) on Sun, 10/11/2020 - 18:31

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I appreciate your ability to source my culture but please continue to be respectful by using Native American, First Nation or Indigenous when referring to us. Not “Indian” we are not Indian.

I’d prefer Indian, Casino. Not call center.
You’re okay both being called Native Americans? This wasn’t America before we were here. INDIAN is fine, they thought they landed in India. It makes sense. We lost those wars, if we had won I’m sure we’d have a better name.
It’s 2020. It’s okay to be black brown and All kinds Indian. Grow up Desiree.

Maybe it wasn’t you that was spoken of. I’m not offended by it. Maybe it’s simply how I see myself. There was enough interesting information to understand the need for multiple proper nouns as to not be repetitive. Great short read

Hi Audrey,

Actually the term "Indian" has been noted as an accepted term by Native Americans for quite some time. The largest Native American grassroots movement in the United States: American Indian Movement has the term displayed prominently in their name. They are also responsible for the American Indian Opportunities and Industrialization Center that helps with economic prosperity among their people. During protests over the names of multiple professional sports teams members of AIM carried signs that read, "Indians are people not mascots" and "Being Indian is not a character you can play" these were officially recognized statements by the group. The Pulitzer Prize winning author N. Scot Momaday, who's 7/8 Kiowa, has identified himself as Indian. Many who are high quantum, full members of many tribes identify as Indian. It is an accepted term.

Submitted by Indigenous (not verified) on Sat, 08/28/2021 - 22:11

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If you are not Indigenous please refrain from using the term American Indian. Only our peiple are allowed to use this term especially the elders. Non-Indigenous people can use Native or Indigenous.

You're not indigenous either. Neither is the rest of your tribe. You just predate the people who colonized what is now called America. You don't even seem to know the real history, as you think America isn't really India. There's no need to hold yourselves so highly. You already have more rights than other Americans for selling other tribes into slavery and appeasing the Jews, or whatever. There's no need to hold it against the other slaves of all colors and creeds.

Problem is , I love the native people. I love their way of life. When I was a child we learned the term Indian. I didnt know anything about India. Then wjen I got oldet we learned columbus was looking for the west indies. So still we called natives Indians. Now im much older and I realize they want to be called native american. And i understand. Just you cant teach an old dog new tricks.some people are just foolish and dont mean anything by it. They are just uninformed . Love my native bro and sisters. But im white and tjey probably dont care one way or another about me.

What am I? If I do not know who or where I came from? How can I call this land home when the people of this land treat me as a sacrifice? For witch is true. The evil that all races of people have put apon myself and my children would be unexcusable if our skin was not olive. You are so blessed to know who you are and have deep roots to this land. Put the evil of the past in the flames and walk away from the old ways.

What am I? If I do not know who or where I came from? How can I call this land home when the people of this land treat me as a sacrifice? For witch is true. The evil that all races of people have put apon myself and my children would be unexcusable if our skin was not olive. You are so blessed to know who you are and have deep roots to this land. Put the evil of the past in the flames and walk away from the old ways.

Thank you for addressing that issue.
I respect the content and attention to the nature of what she's talking about, however I do not appreciate the use of the term "Indian". They're not from India "directly", therefore they are not Indian.

Hello everyone, my name is Dale Schaffer and I’m going to share with you all how I got scammed after falling victim to a cryptocurrency investment scam, I was introduced to this cryptocurrency scam by a guy I met on Instagram and after investing all my life savings, they swindled me off $380,000. It was the saddest moment of my life because I couldn’t believe what had happened, I was bankrupt and my credit was damaged. I reported to the authorities and there was nothing they could do to get these scammers or return my money. I thought all hope was lost and was going into depression until I came across an article online about a hacker who could help me recover my funds, at first I thought it was impossible but I realized I had no other choice but to give it a try, to my surprise Mikkon Cyber Security Service was able to recover all my funds and upgrade my credit score, I wanted to put this out there for anyone who might be going through the same situation and have been swindled by this scammers, you can contact SPYHOST CYBER SERVICE to help you recover your stolen funds. Contact them at (Mikkoncyber@techie.com)

Submitted by Tammy Jackson (not verified) on Mon, 11/02/2020 - 18:14

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Namaste Kellen Cutsforth
I Actually Have A Comment
It's About The Wendigo
As Some Legends That Arent Told About The Wendigo
The Story Of How The Wendigo Came To Be Goes Way Back

Where is everyone seeing or encountering these weddings, skin walkers, Bigfoot and so on. I've been in the Appalachian Mountains other parts of PA Woods haven't seen nothing doing off-grid living survival training hunting you name it it's what I was taught from the Native Americans in my family and learned a lot from the elders with stories about these things and I'm on search to find them regardless of the outcome I want to know reality the truth and hope not to be eating by one of them or I eat one of them myself either way I guess if there's any violence out of it one of us won't be leaving these Woods one way or another but I'm pretty sure both tribes in my blood there's going to be one heck of a fight I just want the truth I want to know what I was told and taught what's in these Woods my people been living in the wilderness a very long time white and native American what is really out there or is it some people who just went crazy mad and killing people and eating people or whatever. The one is supposed to be 6foot up to 45 foot tall. It shouldn't be hard to find or hind to easily, I'm on the search the hunt. I need the truth not stories. I love and respect my family and the elders who past but that's all it is right now is stories about Bigfoot, wendigo,the walkers.

It sounds like you have a deep respect for the traditions and teachings of your ancestors and a strong desire to uncover the truth about the stories you've heard. The Appalachian Mountains and the surrounding wilderness are indeed rich with folklore and legends, and it’s understandable that you want to know what’s real and what’s not.

The stories of skinwalkers, Bigfoot, and other entities have fascinated people for generations, blending elements of myth, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences. While many have encountered mysterious phenomena, it’s worth considering that these stories can be influenced by a variety of factors, including psychological and environmental elements.

Here are a few points to keep in mind as you pursue your search:

Cultural Significance: Many of these stories have deep cultural and spiritual significance. They often serve as metaphors or lessons rather than literal truths. Understanding their origins might offer insight into their meaning beyond the literal.

Evidence and Skepticism: Documenting evidence and approaching the search with a healthy dose of skepticism might help. While anecdotal accounts can be compelling, verifiable evidence is crucial in distinguishing fact from folklore.

Safety First: Given the potential dangers of the wilderness and the physical challenges of survival training, prioritize your safety. The wilderness can be unpredictable, and encountering aggressive wildlife or hazardous conditions is always a risk.

Respect for Local Traditions: Engaging with local tribes and communities with respect and openness might provide additional perspectives. Many of these stories are deeply rooted in local traditions, and understanding them from multiple viewpoints can be enlightening.

Scientific Inquiry: Combining traditional knowledge with scientific methods could be valuable. There’s a lot to learn from the natural world, and sometimes what might seem supernatural can have natural explanations.

Your quest for truth and understanding is admirable, and it’s essential to approach it with a balance of respect for the lore and a pragmatic approach to investigation. Whether you find what you’re looking for or not, the journey itself can be a profound exploration of both the world around you and your own beliefs.

Hello everyone, my name is Dale Schaffer and I’m going to share with you all how I got scammed after falling victim to a cryptocurrency investment scam, I was introduced to this cryptocurrency scam by a guy I met on Instagram and after investing all my life savings, they swindled me off $380,000. It was the saddest moment of my life because I couldn’t believe what had happened, I was bankrupt and my credit was damaged. I reported to the authorities and there was nothing they could do to get these scammers or return my money. I thought all hope was lost and was going into depression until I came across an article online about a hacker who could help me recover my funds, at first I thought it was impossible but I realized I had no other choice but to give it a try, to my surprise Mikkon Cyber Security Service was able to recover all my funds and upgrade my credit score, I wanted to put this out there for anyone who might be going through the same situation and have been swindled by this scammers, you can contact SPYHOST CYBER SERVICE to help you recover your stolen funds. Contact them at (Mikkoncyber@techie.com)

Submitted by Gary Letterhouse Sr (not verified) on Mon, 12/28/2020 - 20:36

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After watching some shows, I got curious and seriously interested as to the difference between a Wendigo and a Skinwalker, with all due respect to all Nationalities.

Submitted by Sam (not verified) on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 18:17

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People to think I'm crazy when I say this but, I saw one of these creatures not sure what it is, but I know what I saw. I also want to understand why iit crossed my path.

Hi Toby,

I wrote this blog. I can certainly connect with you. What social media sites are you on?

Submitted by Steppe (not verified) on Tue, 04/04/2023 - 22:48

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Hello, I too would live to hear and learn more about these lores and legends. Especially since it has to do with both past history and beliefs of not only Natives but also other nations and groups from the past.

Sam, I'm currently writing a novel which deals with skinwalkers, wendigos, brujos... I'd be interested in hearing more specifics about your experience. Blueotterguitars on Facebook.

Submitted by I am Something Else (not verified) on Sat, 08/28/2021 - 22:15

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For non-Indigenous people please refrain from calling us Indian or American Indian these are only terms we within the Indigenous community use especially the elders. You can call us Indigenous or Native. The name america comes from Amerigo Vespucci who was a colonizer that killed many of our people's. Respect is earned not given.

If the name America came from that, wasn't the continent actually called India, like the old maps suggest? That literally would make you Indians. Demanding others call you certain names that you don't call eachother is also a form of racism. Why are you being racist?

If the name America comes from Amerigo as you suggest, wouldn't the continent have actually been called India, like your comment and old maps suggest? Also, demanding others call you by names that you don't call eachother while trying to restrict who can call you by the names you refer to eachother as is a form of racism. So, why the racism? You literally are Indians if you originated in what is now called America.

If the name America comes from Amerigo as you suggest, wouldn't the continent have actually been called India, like your comment and old maps suggest? Also, demanding others call you by names that you don't call eachother while trying to restrict who can call you by the names you refer to eachother as is a form of racism. So, why the racism? You literally are Indians if you originated in what is now called America.

Nobody is even really indigenous. Your people may have predated the colonizers, but you too colonized the land yourselves from other tribes and moved from place to place, sometimes even crossing from other continents. So, at what point should the line really be drawn? Seems more like you guys are sour and want recognition above others for also being victims to the same villains of history. It's the government who wronged you, not the descendants of the settlers who have less rights than you.

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