Discovering the Forbidden: Best Books on Cannibalism
Cannibalism is the practice of eating members of one's own species. This term is more commonly used when referring to the consumption of human flesh by other humans. Although this act is considered taboo by most modern societies, it has been documented historically and prehistorically in diverse cultures and contexts.
Cannibalism can be classified in two ways. On one hand, we have cannibalism, which is when humans eat meat from their own species. On the other hand, that cannibalism that occurs when animals consume their membersIf you'd like to learn more about this topic, check out our list of the best books on cannibalism.
But first, a little context
One of the biggest reasons for committing cannibalism is survival. Not infrequently, a group of people has become trapped in a place they cannot escape, such as a snowy mountain or a forest. In this context, after days of starvation, some members begin to suffer and die. Afterward, it is not unusual for the remaining members to use their bodies as food.
Similarly, Some societies practice cannibalism as a ritual practice. For example, Maori tribes used to eat those defeated in battle, and this was a symbol of strength and tenacity. Another context in which cannibalism often occurs is prison, where, in situations of extreme confinement, problems of psychosis and cannibalism have occurred.
Origins
The word cannibalism comes from the deformation of the Taíno term "Caribbean", "Caniba" or "Cariba." For the ethnic group, this meant "bold" or "audacious," while for the Arawak, it meant "enemy." When the Spanish settlers arrived, the Europeans began to use this word to describe "eater of human flesh." This latter term was due to the fact that, when Christopher Columbus arrived in Hispaniola, they discovered that the Caribs were eating the Arawak to obtain loot.
However, The stories of cannibalism that were told during this period should be taken with a grain of salt., since, when Columbus returned to Europe, he promoted reports of these practices in the Caribbean, in order to obtain alliances from the enslaved and cannibalized tribes, thus facilitating the surrender and subsequent realization of all the remaining tribes.
However, Current situations of cannibalism are more associated with famines, wars, isolation, and crimes perpetrated by people with profound mental problems, such as Jeffrey Dahmer, who stated: "It's hard for me to believe that a human being could have done what I did, but I know I did it."
Best books on cannibalism
All about cannibalism: cannibal cultures, criminals, survivors, and more about this great taboo (2023), by Bert Wolfe
The practice of cannibalism must have existed since the birth of the first groups of humans. According to Lima's book, Evidence of this infamous practice can be found in the Moula Guercy cave. in France. This suggests that the need for some to eat others has existed for over 50.000 years. But why? What drives someone to eat their own?
This and other questions are answered in this book, where you can also find questions such as: "Various reasons why cannibalism has existed in humanity""The Link Between Cannibalism and Ritual," "Cultures Around the World and Their Relationship with Cannibalism," among others. This is an anthropological exploration of the taboo, its origins, and its present-day history.
Cannibalism in the wagons (1868), by Mark Twain
This is a short story that blends horror, satire, and political ideology. It all begins when a group of passengers are trapped on a train buried in the ever-falling snow. As time passes, the decisions become more desperate, but also delicious. Yes, delicious! That's how... The legendary Mark Twain subverts a terrible situation and takes it down the path of humor.
Many readers might wonder how a cannibalistic act could be so hilarious. However, to find out, It is necessary to read the writer, who has no qualms about plunging his sharp pen into the heart of politics. of its time. The text depicts democratic elections, disputes over menus, and gastronomic debates that ultimately transform into a decomposed civilization.
Exquisite corpse (2018), by Agustina Bazterrica
This book won the Clarín Novel Prize. and the Ladies of Horror Fiction Award, and no wonder. With a mix of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, This dystopia brings to the table current issues such as consumerism and ethics in meat consumption.The novel begins after a lethal virus attacks animals, making their distribution, processing, and consumption deadly. From then on, the world changed forever.
Wild animals and pets had to be completely eradicated, And governments faced the situation with a drastic decision: legalizing the breeding, reproduction, slaughter, and processing of human flesh. In this context, cannibalism is the law, and societies are divided into two groups: those who eat and those who are eaten.
The cannibal child (2023), by Fran Pintadera and Raúl Nieto Guridi
This is a departure from the list, not only because it's a children's book, but because it features a tender cannibal as its protagonist. Written by Fran Pintadera and illustrated by Raúl Nieto Guridi, It is an album that combines dark humor and rhymes to tell the story of a prehistoric tribe with a peculiar habit: solving their problems by eating each other.
The main character lives in this community where no one is safe from becoming the dish of the day, whether it's the street vendor, the dog, the students who are off-key, or even their own mother. This witty volume is inspired by the eponymous song by Cuban composer Virulo and uses rhymed verse and a graphic black-and-white style to narrate the adventures of this tribe in a fun and provocative way.
