A wendigo is a cannibalistic spirit in Algonquian myth. They are associated with coldness and famine, and are also known as the embodiment of gluttony, greed, excess, etc. Some say that those overcome with greed turn into a wendigo. All beliefs about the wendigo agreed that humans could turn into a wendigo if they become cannibals or if they are possessed by a wendigo. It was once described as "gaunt skeleton recently disinterred from the grave." They are large and grow even more with each human they eat.
"Origin: Canada. An abominable snowman from Canadian slopes. He is over 4.5 meters tall, with a skull-like head and thick white fur. He can run through the snow at great speed, killing and eating humans."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS dictionary
Wendigo appears under the influence of Ozawa's contract with the demons, guarding the prison in the basement of the Shinjuku Mall, where the Psycho Diver is being held. When facing him, the Wendigo will ask the protagonist if he's there under Ozawa's orders. If he says "no," the Wendigo will just push him back the way he came. In case the answer is "yes," he won't listen and will just attack anyway, forcing the protagonist into a fight with him.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey[]
"An abominable snowman of Canada. Its height is over five meters. It has a face that looks like a skull and its fur lets it run quickly in snow. It appears in villages and eats humans. Sacrifices are common to avoid being attacked."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium
Shin Megami Tensei IV[]
"An abominable snowman of Canada. Its height is over five meters. It has a face that looks like a skull and its fur lets it run quickly in snow. It appears in villages and eats humans. Sacrifices are common to avoid being attacked."
—Shin Megami Tensei IV profile
A Wendigo is summoned in a scripted battle with the hooded man near the end of the 3rd stratum of Naraku. Defeating it leads to the hooded figure summoning the DDS Horde, with Isabeau and Jonathan joining the battle on Flynn's side.
Wendigo later appears as a normal enemy in the western areas of Shinjuku. Alternatively, Wendigo can also evolve from a Jack Frost once it reaches level 20. Wendigo can teach Flynn the Mabufu and Poison Breath skills through its Demon Whisper.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse[]
Wendigo appears in the Sky Tower. It can also be obtained by allowing Jack Frost to evolve at level 26. Wendigo can teach the Mabufula, Oni-Kagura, Poison Breath and Power Punch skills through its Demon Whisper. Wendigo benefits from learning Ice, Physical and ailment skills. It also learns both of its hidden skills at level 31.
Devil Survivor 2[]
"An abominable snowman of Canada. Its height is over five meters. It has a face that looks like a skull and its thick fur lets it run quickly in snow. It appears in villages and eats humans. Sacrifices are common to avoid being attacked. It is said to be a type of spirit that dwells in mountains."
Wendigo makes an appearance at the end of the Day Before. He appears attacking Amane Kuzuryu, who temporarily joins the protagonist's party during the fight. The Wendigo is much higher level than the rest of the party, other than Amane, so the fight is essentially between them while Yuzu Tanikawa, Atsuro Kihara and the protagonist fight a couple lesser demons. Wendigo survives the fight and swears revenge before he retreats. With Wendigo gone, Amane also leaves the party.
The next day, the party receive a Laplace Mail on how three victims will be killed by a snowman. In fact, the snowman is Wendigo while the three victims are the party. The party fights Wendigo and beat it, ultimately averting their destined deaths.
Devil Survivor 2[]
"An abominable snowman of Canada. Its height is over five meters. It has a face that looks like a skull and its thick fur lets it run quickly in snow. It appears in villages and eats humans. Sacrifices are common to avoid being attacked. It is said to be a type of spirit that dwells in mountains."