With the January frost setting in and a surprising lack of snowfall at the beginning of the winter season, it is easy to assume that the worst of the frozen fury is yet to come. For many high schoolers and out-of-staters, the thought of driving on icy roads in the midst of traffic is absolutely terrifying. However, with experience, it is a fear that is easy to overcome. The more wise and experienced in our society have bigger concerns to worry about– like the monsters that lurk and terrorize during these frigid months.

The Wendigo
Anyone looking to expand their knowledge of frost-bitten frights should first take note of the Wendigo– also, spelt Windigo.
The late Basil Johnston, Canadian writer and teacher, described the Wendigo as a monster “with its bones pushing out against its skin, its complexion the ash gray of death, and its eyes pushed back deep into their sockets… a gaunt skeleton recently disinterred from the grave.”
The beast can be identified furthermore by it’s unclean appearance, cannibalistic nature, and off putting scent of rot and death.

The Ijiraq
If the thought of encountering a Wendigo doesn’t have you feeling uneasy, what you are soon to discover will.
In Inuit mythology, the Ijiraq– meaning shape-shifter– is said to be “a kidnapper of children [and those with naive hearts], accused of stealing little ones to hide [or eat] and then abandon in the Arctic cold.”
It is extremely difficult to identify an Ijiraq due to the fact that they can shape shift into any form they desire. The only indicator that the camouflaged creature is lurking near is a small, human-like whistling. So, if your next hot date approaches you with arms spread open and a small-mouthed tune, beware.

The Nuckelavee
Last, but not least fear-striking, is the Nuckelavee, the creature from your nightmares. The Nuckelavee is a demon that carries resemblance of both man and horse. They are depicted to “have no skin and you can see their black blood coursing through their twisted veins.”
The creature is known to have breath that can paralyze men and ruin his crops. The only way to escape with your life is to cross a body of water.
The monstrosities listed and described are only a few of the hundreds that lurk in the darkness of the raw winter nights, whose thought keeps you up late at night.
Hopefully your new-found knowledge will keep you alert and protected from the demons of the ice. May you walk with caution into the new year, prepared to conquer all.