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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

• Ravenous (1999)
• Alive (1993)
• Society of the Snow (2023)
• The Wendigo (Algonquian folklore)

🎵 Music & Audio

• “Curse” — Eerie and Scary Ambient Music by Mehul Sharma (Royalty-Free)
• Film clips used for commentary and educational purposes

🎙️ Production Credits

• Research, writing, editing, and narration: Carissa Willis
• Podcast hosted on Buzzsprout
• Fan Mail button enabled — listeners are welcome to send a message directly through the episode page