• Catfish [she/her]@lemmygrad.ml
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    1 year ago

    The W* (which is how you should refer to it because invoking it’s name is frowned upon) isn’t just some monster horror story. In my tribe and others it is a cannibalistic spirit that may possess you if invoked. That being said there are several tribes where folks do eat their ancestors as a part of their funeral practices.

      • GrouchyGrouse [he/him]@hexbear.net
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        1 year ago

        Yeah its origin is probably closer to an uncanny valley “thing looks human but doesn’t act human and is dangerous.”

        There’s usually a kernel of truth in a lot of the old indigenous legends and stories. These become traditions and rituals over time but likely started as practices to guard against actual dangers. Like funerary practices. If you go with exposure you don’t leave the body near where you live. Or you bury the dead. You might do this to “respect the spirits” but it also prevents disease and/or attracting undesired animals to your location.