Woodsman

The Woodsman is a dangerous man-like being of the forest in Koyukon belief, described sometimes as a person who has abandoned human society and reverted to a wild state and sometimes as a distinct predatory being. He is said to move unseen at the edges of camps and trails, to steal food and belongings, to abduct people, and to imitate human and animal sounds in order to lure victims from safety. Encounters have been reported into recent times, and dread of him shapes caution in the forest.

Domains

• wilderness
• abduction
• fear

Powers

• move unseen at the edges of camps and trails
• imitate human and animal sounds to lure victims

Sources

• The Woodsman is a dangerous man-like being of the forest in Koyukon belief, said to steal, to abduct people, and to imitate sounds.: Nelson, Richard K., Make Prayers to the Raven (Chicago, 1983). (secondary); Jette, Jules, 'On the Superstitions of the Ten'a Indians,' Anthropos 6 (1911). (primary)