"The Wendigo" / The Classic Novella by Algernon Blackwood

"The Wendigo" is based on Algernon Blackwood's experiences hunting in the backwoods of Canada. A group of men deep in the Northern wilderness are visited by a terrifying creature from Native American legend.
0:00:00 - Introduction
0:00:44 - Part I
0:15:48 - Part II
0:41:42 - Part III
0:45:36 - Part IV
1:03:22 - Part V
1:14:06 - Part VI
1:28:54 - Part VII
1:37:28 - Part VIII
1:51:16 - Part IX
1:57:49 - Further Listening
Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/alb...
Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
Music and production by Ian & Jennifer Gordon
Image used with the permission of mgkellermeyer (mgkellermeyer.deviantart.com)
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This is an ORIGINAL HorrorBabble Production.

[@HorrorBabble]

For those asking about the original upload: over the years we've had to take recordings down for various reasons... audio quality, claims from purported rights holders, imagery issues, content concerns, etc... In most cases we're able to resolve the issues and re-upload them -- fortunately that was the case here.

[@Flood520]

Thank you for this. I had a few versions of this fascinating tale marked, but they all disappeared a couple years ago. I wondered if it might have been an estate squabble. In any event, I'm glad to have this one back.

[@Normaschthewanderer]

I hope one day you'll do a reread with added ambiance and SFX.

[@joshbates9015]

Thank goodness for that. This is one of my favorite stories to fall asleep to, and your recording is hands-down the best one available on KZbin.

[@jesst5244]

Read original work?

[@thefisherking78]

Well, I'm glad, because it might have taken much longer to come to my attention otherwise. Loved it!

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Blackwood loves to use the wilderness, the unknown darkness as the settings for 'things that snap under your feet', and winds that seems to whisper of the horrific. I discovered this writer, somewhat late on; I am now 73 and here in New Orleans at night I listen to these with delight, and just enough shudder to make me cozy up in my blankets...

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

Well said, and here’s to discovering gems of literature late than never!

[@Cuban20]

That's what I'm doing now. But my dog is with me lol.

[@Bojack727]

"The Enticement of the Desolation that Destroys." That has to be one of the greatest piece of alliteration that I've ever come across!

[@GradKat]

Not as good as “Her spirit stronger than the sea’s embrace” (Will Shakespeare).

[@agbobier2657]

My mom's French Canadian. She passed down down the legends of the Wendigo and the Loup Garou to us. These were our bedtime stories. We loved them.

[@Ian-ig4ho]

My mom's a Wendigo. She passed down stories about French Canadians to us

[@Hebzzz]

😂😂😂

[@kylecrozier5645]

Have listened to this probably 50 times. Truly a gift of a recording. Captures the eco-gothic perfectly.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you, Kyle!

[@RexytheRexy]

This is brilliant. I live in a national forest spanning hundreds of square miles. Even after a lifetime here, I'm still overwhelmed by it. There are times when you can quite literally feel you're in a place out of time, a place more ancient than you can comprehend, and a place where you're an unwelcome intruder. Blackwood captures all those things as few people can, and your reading conveys them in a way that makes me feel that I'm right there alongside them, seeing it through their eyes. You, sir, have a Gift. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@hektorlitch4993]

I remember that the infamous "Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark" series by Alvin Schwartz had a reduced version of this story in one of the volumes, it was just as terrifying!

[@PALACIO254]

Do you remember what it was called those books were great especially the art

[@hektorlitch4993]

@@PALACIO254 I believe it was the 1st book, and yes the art was scary as hell.

[@RBYU001]

Loved that book! It was the first one and this was my favorite story in it.

[@TEQNEEK]

da fayyyy-go!

[@kamalscorner2862]

I'm from Detroit, MI. My mom's favorite time of year was Halloween. Although she wouldn't let me or my baby sister go out trick or treating because well, it was Detroit. Lol So she would make us bags full of candy. She'd also let us give it out. And at the end of the night, momma would tell us stories.And man oh man, was she good. I remember this story although not as long she told us the story of.....The Wendigo. Dude..let me tell you.I love the country. Some of my Marine Corps buddies was from different places like Denver, Alabama, even Virginia. They were straight up country boys and I was a city slicker Who didn't know s*** about the country. But I knew one thing. The Wendigo live there, and I was terrified of it. Thanks ma! 😅

[@operationjester3348]

One of the greatest horror stories ever written. Hard to believe it's 111 years old. Défago falling from the canopy is an unparalleled moment.

[@debbieramsey8933]

Spoiler!!!

[@operationjester3348]

@@debbieramsey8933 Everyone knows to avoid the comment section to avoid spoilers. Just comment sense.

[@dorkthrone]

@@operationjester3348 and also the story is 111 years old. Decrying spoilers at this point means people should just never talk about media.

[@CJM-rg5rt]

@@dorkthrone okay little bud lol, the guy above you did it just fine. There's no need for your jabberwocky. You are just flappjacking this poor guy for your own nippyskimps.

[@Cuban20]

@@dorkthrone Or talk about books lol

[@GidionApex]

This dude has one of the best radio vocals ever

[@babymammoth34]

I really like how the Wendigo here is portrayed as a malevolent spirit of the high winds that takes possession of the mind and body, as opposed to a carnivorous and visible physical being, as it so often is.

[@joshbates9015]

In Algonquin stories, it's a bit of both. It is a malevolent spirit that enters a person when they engage in cannibalism. That is a more or less a central feature. Pre-colonial first nations often had to experience bouts of famine, particularly during harsh winters, and the stories of the wendigo served to reenforce the cultural taboo against eating other people, even to save onesself from starvation. More broadly, it symbolized a warning against overindulgence and taking more than what one needs to survive. If they overhunted game, the herds would move, and come winter, people would starve. The wariness of becoming a wendigo was woven into the very fabric of their understanding of the balance between themselves and the natural world.

[@Set666Abominae]

It’s not often I go significantly out of my way to track down a book, but the Blackwood novella collection from The British Library Tales of the Weird is one such case. Surprisingly, for such a massive institution behind it, said book was a bit of a pain to find!

[@rainshowers24]

The Wendigo has long been a creature of fascination to me . The idea of a man who disapears into the wilds and through starvation becomes a grotesque creature that prays on people who visit the wilds of many countries. Bares a lot of thinking about in these days of sasquach and little grey men. Anyway cheers Ian for a brilliant story.

[@johanlindwall7295]

Great to see this reuploaded, Blackwood is probably my favorite author on this channel.

[@Flood520]

This channel actually introduced me to him, and he is absolutely one of my favorites now. Definitely up there with Howard and Lovecraft.

[@Sn4fu]

yes!!! The Willows and Wendigo are my favorite sleepy time readings. Thanks for adding this one to youtube, was listening to (the horrorbable reading of) wendigo on bandcamp when i had the craving for it! Much appreciate the remaster. Great work as always.

[@addiemunson2119]

Same!!

[@mortuarycookiezshane4192]

lol these are also my 2 go to sleepy time readings.

[@killgore8879]

The willows is a great one!

[@badfaithnomination]

One of my favorites by him. So memorable 🖤

[@TheWolfgangfritz]

The art of story telling at its finest! I would be tempted to take a "taped version" brought along your next camping trip. In the deep wilds of British Columbia although I'm reminded that Wendigo is more familiar in the forests of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. A bottle of "hooch" paves the way for an imaginative stupor while the snapping and sparks of the campfire enhances the background sounds.

[@philliph.p.1985]

Man oh man this the willows and the god pan are my three absolute favorite readings of yours, I've probably listened to those three about 15 to 20 times EASY! Keep up the great work. To see you guys still going strong years later is really awesome

[@marinakaiser7639]

I'm always hours to late but i have so much Stress at work 🤪🤯just came home and now i can relax at last, tommorow is Sunday so story i come🤗😁❤🖤Wish you a wonderful weekend🙋‍♀️‼And i forgot i love Wendigo stories😉

[@fret2442]

Glad this is back! I was looking for it a couple months ago and hoping it wasn't gone for good!

[@Nosredak]

One of my favorites, cant wait until Ithaqua by august derleth is made public so Horrorbabble can do that story. It very in theme with the Wendigo. Love this one, I listen to it once a month at least.

[@KraftLawrence1]

I remember reading this in middle school in some compilation of horror short stories i found in the library. Still trying to track down some other stories i remember from around that time too, though they were aimed at younger audiences.

[@craigbounous2948]

I think about this story every time I go camping, it still freaks me out a little.

[@prolificendangered1955]

Genuinely enjoyed this one..For a 3rd time. Thanks HB!

[@Nocturnimancer]

You guys post this ONE DAY after I just finished re-reading it... oh well, i do like the voicework here. Third times the charm.

[@johnjones2nd667]

Did Defuegos feet transform back to regular frozen feet after deforming to look like the windegos feet? I'm confused

[@tekelupharsin4426]

I was the one that suggested this on Patreon a few months back. I had no idea you did a recording of it until you linked me to the Bandcamp version you did. It's one of my favorites from Algernon Blackwood. Glad to see the remaster and on KZbin now. 😎

[@raskthenehkroskeptic]

I love this story sooooo much! The Wendigo is such an amazing bit of folklore. I'm stoked to hear the new recording!

[@classictoby5309]

Love this story, Blackwood is one of my favorite horror writers. Awesome job!

[@ajcbng8289]

Some of the most atmospheric horror ever written. ❤

[@ajcbng8289]

@@lusoza This is why I prefer a cabin to a tent. 😂

[@FergieTheTaurus]

The Wendigo is one of my favorite cryptic creatures. Thank you for this reading.

[@LisaCarso]

My absolute favourite!! Thanks for giving us your remastered version here on youtube!! 💫

[@ArnoldCampbell]

Oh thank goodness this is back!

[@josephflanagan8956]

I honestly thought I was having a Mandela effect. I knew you covered this excellent story, but then poor it was gone. You had me thinking I was going nuts Ian.... Can't lie, sorta liked it. Thanks for bringing it back!

[@Astrithor]

I think I prefer this to the "cannibal" version of the Wendigo. Literally the spirit of the forest, taking men's bodies just as surely as the forest takes their mind and heart. Chilling, disturbing, and wholly unstoppable.

[@SpaghettiGuyRevisited-xo3gy]

Still the #1 OG wendigo story. Thank you Algernon.

[@ToddWaid1]

Excellent. Hey Ian I have a couple of other stories by Clark Ashton Smith I don't think I have heard you cover over the years. "The Hunters From Beyond and Murder in the 4th Dimension" Would love to hear your rendition of them one day. Merry Christmas old Chap and thx for all you and Jennifer's hard work.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for the tip! We're aware of both... Merry Christmas to you, too!

[@soulreaver1983]

Another outstanding and amazing story thanks for all these excellent videos!!!!!!😁👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@rociomiranda5684]

This is the best story on the Wendigo legend, far, far more chilling and terrifying than movies on the subject. Blackwood was a master of the art of suggestion. A cold breath of terror runs through all his best stories.

[@thehypest6118]

Oh gosh you have no idea how glad I am this has been reuploaded, I thought I'd gone mad thinking I'd imagined your reading of this story

[@derbucherwurm]

Great Reading on a great Story! Good Job! Greetings from Germany

[@elishawagner1084]

This is my favorite book you've covered still gives me chills.

[@siroctavianjefferspinlll]

Used to listen to this all the time and had been wondering why I could never find it, so glad it’s back!

[@freeheeler00]

Now I know where my fifth grade camp counselor got this story!

[@justicepie314]

Daughter enjoyed this tale! Keep up the great work! Oh wait, you do. :D

[@badraven_indieauthor]

I'm so glad you did, and thank you for all the hard work, Ian. Onward!

[@butcholsen3237]

this was truly chilling, love it!

[@debacofzomb9889]

Love your stuff bud. Your immortalizing your voice in a way people will listen for generations!

[@Spaghettineck]

Yes!

[@Harpeia]

Hah! I always saw this book as a calm, tragically silent sort of story where some dudes get lost in the woods and fall to hysteria. This read made it feel very dynamic and active! Like a whole different story!

[@micheler4120]

Excellent reading. Thank you.

[@seanmccuen6970]

this particular story is the GOAT.

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Just in time!!

[@mijiyoon5575]

I like this story much😊

[@donaldmccleary9015]

And here we go..... Just started listening to this classic

[@kristinacable]

This book is amazing! Great narration ! Thank you :)

[@r.n.g.6514]

My favourite story by him! Thank you.

[@j.stonehouse5004]

I LOVE thos story!💜💜💜💜 Thank you!

[@blakmajk3512]

Great story! Great reading! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@amfinc2]

I love this tale! Thank you guys as always for your great work.

[@longriderxx]

Thanks

[@msmascare]

Thank you for bringing this back! I really enjoyed falling asleep to this story.

[@Dante7Creed]

🤗 hell yeah! Nice remaster 🖤

[@raphthecollector3824]

Perfect Ian! I was actually looking for this a few days ago and I figured you may have taken it down. Thank goodness you brought this back up. This is one of my favorites from your catalogue.

[@igotthepower2056]

YES! Thank you, Ian! I was sad to see the original gone, I'm so happy for the re-upload. Just in time for the first snowfalls!

[@tishahouse846]

listening from the ukwales 2022❤️

[@jonathonrose5141]

So good to see this back up. Thank you!

[@liammorrow6972]

Thank you so much for your work

[@marinakaiser7639]

Wish everybody wonderful weekend 🙋‍♀️🖤❤‼

[@HorrorBabble]

Same to you, Marina!

[@Bryan4Hillary]

Thank you for this- absolutely perfect recording.

[@Rossion64]

I was hoping you'd re-release this. It's fantastic

[@the7saviors276]

Yes! I was wondering when you'd be able to upload this video again! I missed out when you first took the video down but I'm glad I held out on listening to this story elsewhere.

[@wmnoffaith1]

I swear at least 10 of these views are mine. This story is so perfectly crafted.

[@AcornElectron]

“ My first vivid impression of my own presence in this terrible necropolis concerns the act of pausing with Warren before a certain half-obliterated sepulchre … “ Keep up the good work fella and stay safe!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

You must be exhausted after reading this! I've read this and remembered the bit about the "burning feet of fire", but was associating it with some other story. Great reading. The Wendigo is always an interesting subject. Thanks!

[@octpumpkin3355]

It's back!

[@robbabcock_]

Wonderful performance!🙌

[@nancyM1313]

Hot coco and a great story. Thank you very much Ian🤗

[@mahoganyeclipse3909]

So good to see this one here 💛💛💛

[@jazzvictrola7104]

First encountered this horror in an innocent looking book called Ghosts, Ghosts, Ghosts in our church library in the mid-50's as a ten year. It filled me with dread that I could hardly imagine with those cries of "my burning feet of fire" coming from the sky! The book also contained a couple of other classics not often found in a children's book: The Roll Call of the Reef and The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall!

[@thedeadwookie25]

Absolutely mesmerizing

[@ashtondietzmann2923]

I love this channel

[@CJM-rg5rt]

Man, it's kinda hilarious how Défago is terrorizing this guy. If I was in his shoes I don't know how many nights I could put up with the paranoia.. It'd be Skeleton Lake before any wendigo transformations took place.

[@exoblivione6086]

Things I like: 1) Wendigos 2) Horrorbabble

[@thefisherking78]

3) Lists

[@bystandersarah]

OooOooo “fringed with mist” very nice!

[@cellardoor7108]

Finally! It’s back!

[@onemoreday1550]

One of my favorite stories

[@donjuanfrogprince8421]

Big fan of blackwood and this story in particular, glad to see it's up

[@donjuanfrogprince8421]

Didnt remember the racism though, oof, cringy

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

I always wondered why you folks never did this one...I even had a talk with the Wendigo a few months ago, in the woods above Rat Portage! I told it to lay off you guys if you told this story...or else eat Moss! Cheers Warren, who wonders if Moss eating makes one a vegetarian?...I'm not...I think the word that describes me is anthropophagus!

[@PatFerris]

Well this is interesting, will be listening for differences from your original recording... Hope you still yell out 'Oh! My feet of fire!' and it echos through the cold, unforgiving Canadian wilderness, that always got me.

[@ursusthewhite9824]

That is a good reason to carry a 45.70 lever gun when you are up here in the cold and snow! Blest silver bullets couldn’t hurt……well it will to the Wendigo :@)

[@HorrorBabble]

Hey Pat! As someone else has mentioned here, perhaps we'll do a proper adaptation of this in the future with all the bells and whistles...

[@FergieTheTaurus]

You can't go wrong with a good Wendigo story or the writings of Blackwood.

[@bmsg1]

nice.

[@joz6683]

Fantastic, it took me 3 nights to get though it but well worth it.

[@atrumblood]

I'm glad this is back, but why was it removed to begin with?

[@HorrorBabble]

We've just added a pinned comment on the subject.

[@atrumblood]

@@HorrorBabble Thanks for your reply to my question. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@fletchermercer4666]

My new favorite horror story of all time!

[@Morzox]

"You Fool! Warren is Dead!" one of The Darkest of Hillside Thicket's best songs, imo. The Statement of Randolph Carter isn't too bad either.

[@wmnoffaith1]

Yes,!!!!!!! Warren is still here!!!!!!

[@Eris123451]

I know this tale so well that just this once I'm going to skip it, but anyone who isn't familiar with it already is in for a an enjoyable couple of hours.

[@maxelldenomie6131]

I read this in grade school! Thanks for the reminder! Teacher always took my library books away! We dint like each other--no shit...!

[@EricDaMAJ]

Warren is doing just fine! I saw him at the Starbucks and he was fit as a fiddle. Well, aside from his crippling meth and crack addiction (don’t know how you get both) and penchant for explosive devices experimentation.

[@fuzzybat23]

It's hilarious to think how this book could exhibit feelings of terror in the reader, given when it was written. Though 18 years later, Lovecraft could write material that still stirs horror and terror even today.