Dark History of Cannibalism: Myths, Facts, and Fascinations

AI generated image of an imaginary cannibal

Cannibalism

Cannibalism refers to the act of one individual of a species consuming all or part of another individual of the same species. In the human context, it specifically means the consumption of human flesh by another human. This practice can be found in various historical, cultural, and survival scenarios, though it is generally considered taboo and illegal in most societies today.

Cannibalism can occur for different reasons, including ritualistic practices, survival in extreme conditions, psychological disorders, or criminal behavior.

Here are a few instances where cannibalism has been  evidenced or documented:

1. The Donner Party (1846-1847).

One of the most famous instances of cannibalism in modern history involves the Donner Party, a group of American pioneers traveling to California. 

When they got stranded by heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, some members of the group turned into cannibalism to survive after food supplies ran out. 

They were trapped for some months in winter conditions, and by the time rescue teams arrived, it was clear that some had eaten the bodies of those who had died in order to stay alive.

2. The Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944).

During World War II, the Siege of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg, Russia) by Nazi forces led to food shortages and starvation.

Accounts of cannibalism during this time are documented, as civilians, particularly those in the most desperate situations, were forced to eat the dead in order to survive.

3. The Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 (1972).

Another well-known instance of survival cannibalism occurred following the crash of an Uruguayan Air Force flight in the Andes mountains in 1972. 

The survivors were stranded in freezing conditions with little food. They were forced to eat the bodies of the dead in order to stay alive. 

This story became famous after it was recounted in the book Alive and later used in a movie.

4. The Aztecs (Pre-Colonial Era).

In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, there are accounts of the Aztec civilization practicing ritualistic cannibalism.

Human sacrifices were an important part of their religious practices, and it is believed that some of the sacrificed individuals were consumed by the priests or the general population as part of ceremonies to honor the gods, particularly the sun god, Huitzilopochtli. 

5. The Maori (New Zealand).

The Maori people of New Zealand also have a history of cannibalism, especially during tribal warfare. 

When one tribe defeated another, they would sometimes engage in the practice of eating their defeated enemies, a practice known as muru or kai tangata. 

This was done for ritual purposes, to absorb the mana (spiritual power) of the defeated, and to humiliate the enemy.

6. The Fore People of Papua New Guinea.

The Fore people are known for a form of cannibalism associated with their practice of mortuary feasts.

The Fore consumed the bodies of their dead relatives as a way of honoring them. This practice, led to an outbreak of a prion disease called Kuru, which spread among the tribe due to the consumption of infected human brain tissue. 

Kuru caused severe neurological degeneration and was later studied by scientists as a form of prion disease.

7. The Fiji Islanders.

Historically, the Fiji Islands were known as the "Cannibal Isles" due to widespread cannibalistic practices, especially in the 19th century. 

During times of war or conflict, it was common for Fijians to practice rituals associated with cannibalism after defeating their enemies. It was seen as a way of dishonoring and consuming the spirit of the defeated enemy. 

By the late 19th century, this practice was largely abandoned due to British colonial influence.

8. The Zimba (Zambezi Region).

Zimba people of the Zambezi region have been historically associated with cannibalism, especially in the context of tribal warfare. 

Records by early European explorers and colonialists documented the practice, though, it may have been just a myth.

The cannibalism in this context was often associated with acts of revenge or spiritual rites rather than a widespread cultural norm.

True stories of people who survived extremely dangerous situations.