The Wendigo
Sep 2019 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
52
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About this ebook
The Wendigo is a novella by Algernon Blackwood, first published in The Lost Valley and Other Stories (Eveleigh Nash, 1910). In the wilderness north of Rat Portage in Northwestern Ontario, two Scotsmen – divinity student Simpson and his uncle, Dr. Cathcart, an author of a book on collective hallucination – are on a moose-hunting trip with guides Hank Davis and the wilderness-loving French "Canuck", Joseph Défago. While their Indian cook, Punk, stays to tend the main camp, the others split up into two hunting-parties; Dr. Cathcart goes with Hank, while Défago guides Simpson in a canoe down the river to explore the vast territory beyond. Simpson and Défago make camp, and it soon becomes clear that Défago senses – or at least thinks he senses – some strange and fearful odour on the wind. That night, Simpson wakes to find Défago cowering in terror from something outside the tent. Later Défago runs off into the night, forcing Simpson to go and look for him. He follows his footprints in the snow for many miles, realising that Défago's are not the only set of tracks. The larger set of footprints are not human, and gradually it seems that Défago's own tracks have metamorphosed into smaller versions of the larger set. Eventually, both sets of tracks vanish, and Simpson believes he hears Défago's distant voice calling out from somewhere in the sky above: "Oh! oh! This fiery height! Oh, my feet of fire! My burning feet of fire ...!" (Wikipedia)
About the author
Algernon Blackwood (1869-1951) was an English author renowned for his masterful ghost stories and supernatural fiction, which have left an indelible mark on the genre. Born in Shooter's Hill, London, Blackwood's early life was marked by a restless spirit and a thirst for adventure. He traveled extensively, working various jobs in Canada and the United States, including as a farmer, bartender, and journalist, before returning to England to pursue writing full-time.Blackwood's literary contributions are vast, with his most celebrated works including "The Willows" and "The Wendigo," both of which are considered classics of supernatural literature. His stories often explore the thin veil between reality and the otherworldly, drawing on his deep interest in mysticism, nature, and the occult. Blackwood was also a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society devoted to the study of the paranormal and metaphysics, which significantly influenced his writing.Controversially, Blackwood's works often blur the lines between horror and spiritual enlightenment, challenging contemporary notions of the supernatural. His ability to evoke a profound sense of awe and terror has influenced numerous writers, including H.P. Lovecraft, who praised Blackwood's ability to create an atmosphere of cosmic horror.In addition to his writing, Blackwood was a successful broadcaster and narrator, bringing his eerie tales to life on radio and television. His innovative approach to storytelling and his exploration of the unknown continue to captivate modern readers, securing his legacy as a pioneer of supernatural fiction.
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