Musaicum Books, $1.99
Horror, 2017 (Reissue)
Algernon Blackwood’s The Wendigo is a survival horror novella from 1910 that proves one timeless truth: if you hear the words “moose-hunting trip,” just say no.
Originally part of The Lost Valley and Other Stories, it’s now free to read online because it’s in the public domain—lucky us! But don’t let its age fool you; this story is as creepy as a rustling sound in the woods at midnight.
The plot is delightfully simple: two Scotsmen, Simpson and his uncle Dr Cathcart, decide to head into the Canadian wilderness for some good old-fashioned moose hunting. They’re joined by two guides, Hank Davis (the “regular guy” archetype) and Joseph Défago (the “experienced one” who, spoiler alert, is not experienced enough). Meanwhile, the cook—clearly the smartest person in the story—stays back at camp.
When the group inevitably splits up (because why wouldn’t they?), Simpson and Défago have a close encounter with a certain primal, sinister force that does not appreciate uninvited guests in its forest. Lesson learned: the wilderness is not your friend.
The titular Wendigo is barely mentioned by name (about three times) and even less described. Is it a beast? A spirit? A giant cosmic grudge-holder? Who knows! This lack of detail works brilliantly to crank up the fear factor. After all, nothing’s scarier than your imagination filling in the blanks.
That said, modern readers might find themselves mentally substituting in the Wendigo from Supernatural, Hannibal, or Until Dawn, depending on their pop culture diet.
Mr Blackwood’s pacing is tight, his prose atmospheric, and his ability to make you question ever setting foot in a forest again is unparalleled. The story’s influence on cosmic horror is undeniable; it inspired August Derleth’s Ithaqua, the Great Old One who moonlights as a winter weather advisory. So, if you’re into the kind of dread that HP Lovecraft and his ilk perfected, this one’s a must-read.
Of course, no early 20th-century story is complete without a side of yikes. There are a few references to certain races and ethnic groups that might make modern readers wince, but nothing overtly hostile. Still, if you’re sensitive to the casual othering of the time, consider this your warning.
At just under novella length, The Wendigo is perfect for a quick read. It’s simple, terrifying, and might just convince you that glamping is the only acceptable way to “experience nature”. Skip the moose hunt; read this instead.
