Cryptozoology refers to the discipline of researching strange and mysterious, often supernatural creatures. Cryptozoologists are individuals possessing knowledge of cultural lore, languages, zoology and history. They conduct research by reviewing archived media reports, historical records, interviewing witnesses and visiting museums and areas where sightings have occurred.
Sasquatch, Manipogo, and Wendigo, Cryptids of Manitoba
The term used to describe these obscure beasts is “cryptids.” The origin of this word has been attributed to the Manitoban, John E. Wall, in 1993. The fact that a Manitoba resident first coined the word is not surprising given the number of cryptid sightings and stories emanating from the province. Manitoba covers an enormous area of Central Canada, much of it wild and seldom visited by people, an ideal location for man-shy beings to subsist in secrecy. Sasquatch, Manipogo and Wendigo are three cryptid entities alleged to inhabit Manitoba’s remote and hidden regions.
Manipogo
Native American legends of lake monsters are common, British Columbia’s famed Ogopogo, for example. Manipogo (name derived, in the 1960’s, from Ogopogo) is described as serpentine, black or dark brown in color, and up to 50 feet in length, with a head resembling that of a snake or perhaps a sheep. Witnesses recount a shrieking howl like a train whistle, as Manipogo snakes through dark waters. There have been dozens of documented sightings over the past 50 years. The idea of a sea monster in Manitoba may not be so far fetched. South of Winnipeg, Manitoba, near the town of Morden, is the Canadian Fossil Discovery Center, the location of Canada’s largest marine reptile fossil collection. Landlocked now, at the center of the continent, this area was once a vast prehistoric ocean, and home to dinosaur-like sea creatures.
Could it be that a strain of one of these now extinct monsters somehow survived in the same manner that crocodiles, direct descendants of dinosaurs, endured? Conceivably, skeletal remains were discovered by early inhabitants of the region, who then reasoned that the strange beasts were a still lurking danger.
Sasquatch
One of the most pervasive cryptids, worldwide, is of the Big Foot or Sasquatch variety; stories abound, from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, both historic and current. Sasquatch is described as being nocturnal, from seven to eight feet tall, covered with hair, with gorilla-like facial features, and accompanied by an awful odor. Generally inhabiting remote, heavily forested areas, if seen it is from a distance. The only evidence of their existence is the odd blurry video and frequently, massive footprints. Legends and sightings of these giant ape-men are very common, yet the beast has never been captured, nor a dead sasquatch ever recovered. Also, sasquatch disguises and encounter stories are a favorite of hoaxers, thus leading to a great deal of skepticism. Follow this link to a 2005 video of a Sasquatch sighting in northern Manitoba.
Despite hoaxes and lack of hard evidence, the prevalence of belief in these giant ape-like creatures provokes the question: Where do these ideas come from? Are these cryptid legends based upon ancient human interactions with Neanderthals or possibly other animals such as bears in upright reaching postures?
Windigo
Belonging to the same cryptid family as werewolves and vampires, windigos are a part of Manitoba lore. A windigo is an evil spirit, which takes possession of the mind and body of its victims. The victim is transformed into a hideous wild-eyed lunatic, ravenous for human flesh and prone to extreme violence. Unlike other cryptid stories, this is one which has reasonable foundation in fact and Canadian legal precedent. Though cited as a pagan belief, in law, the record attests to the reality of this condition in the lives of Native Canadians, who attributed windigo possession to individuals, who went murderously insane or resorted to cannibalism in times of deprivation and starvation.
Insanity, hatred and evil are the darkest of human characteristics, which manifest themselves in violent behavior and slaughter. These conditions may be defined by science, but such is the incomprehensible horror, that we are compelled to invent and blame supernatural entities like werewolves and windigos. Past and recent history is rife with examples of the windigo spirit in Jack the Ripper, Robert Picton and recently, in Manitoba, Vincent Li, who beheaded and ate the flesh of his victim.
Manitoba's Monsters Do Exist
Monsters exist in Manitoba as they do everywhere else in the world. Cryptozoologists attempt to find proof for the existence of these creatures, but more often than not they must concede that there is insufficient evidence. Despite this lack of tangibility, there is an essence of veracity in many cryptid legends. The truth lies in human memory and imagination and the compulsion to explain the events and circumstances affecting our lives.
Reference:
Eberhart, George M., Mysterious Creatures a Guide to Cryptozoology, ABC-CLIO Inc, Santa Barbara, CA., 2002.
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