What happens when hunger doesn’t stop — even after survival?
In this episode of Truth Behind the Terror, I explore the Wendigo: a terrifying figure from Algonquian First Nations folklore associated with winter, starvation, greed, and the loss of humanity. More than a monster, the Wendigo serves as a moral warning — one that draws a sharp line between survival and excess.
From there, we dive into the 1999 cult classic Ravenous, a darkly comedic horror western inspired by real historical events including the Donner Party and the story of Alfred Packer, the so-called “Colorado Cannibal.” Set against the backdrop of American expansionism, Ravenous uses cannibalism as a metaphor for power, greed, and Manifest Destiny — and draws heavily on the Wendigo myth to do so.
Finally, we contrast mythic cannibalism with real-world survival cannibalism, examining the 1972 Andes plane crash as depicted in Alive (1993) and Society of the Snow (2023), and how folklore can help us understand — rather than sensationalize — human desperation.
This episode contains discussions of cannibalism, starvation, death, and psychological trauma. Listener discretion is advised.
🎬 Films & Stories Discussed
🎵 Music & Audio
🎙️ Production Credits
