Lecture Notes: Wendigos and the Movie "Antlers"

Introduction

• Humans have historically feared what lurks in the darkness.
• Stories of creatures waiting outside the light, luring humans to their doom.
• Focus on the Wendigo, a creature from North American folklore.

The Movie "Antlers"

• Small town in Oregon restarts coal mining, disturbing a Wendigo spirit.
• The Wendigo is a spirit from cannibalism, leading to infection and transformations.
• Film explores the folklore and human biological transformation due to the Wendigo.

Plot Summary

• Story in Oregon, involving a boy named Lucas and his father involved in meth production.
• Lucas's father, Frank, and his partner encounter a Wendigo in the mines.
• The film explores themes of family, survival, and the supernatural.
• A teacher, Julia, becomes involved trying to help Lucas.
• The Wendigo's influence spreads, causing chaos and danger.
• The plot intertwines Wendigo lore with a modern narrative.

Wendigo Lore and Characteristics

Origin and Traits

• Wendigos originate from First Nations folklore, associated with cannibalism and greed.
• Depicted as tall, emaciated creatures with a deer-like appearance in "Antlers."

Psychological and Biological Aspects

• Wendigo psychosis relates to deep-seated human fears of greed and selfishness.
• Biologically, infection resembles a viral transformation, leading to physical changes.
• Transformation includes extreme hunger, mental deterioration, and physical changes.

Survival Against a Wendigo

• Wendigos possess enhanced hunting abilities and human-like intellect.
• Poor eyesight; standing still may help avoid detection.
• Silver is a known weakness; must destroy its heart and perform a ritual to contain the spirit.
• Survival requires knowledge, preparation, and often luck.

Conclusion

• The Wendigo myth illustrates fears of isolation, greed, and destruction.
• "Antlers" combines folklore with horror to explore human and supernatural themes.
• Surviving a Wendigo encounter is difficult, requiring drastic measures and understanding of lore.
• Wendigos symbolize unchecked greed and the consequences of disturbing natural order.