Character Analysis

Although society refers to Sasquatch by his nickname, Bigfoot, he did not receive his name until October 1, 1958, when Andrew Genozli coined the phrase (Coleman 66). This helped him turn the mysterious creature into a recognizable legend. As Burnette and Riggs describe, “Whether Bigfoot is called wild man, mystery hominid, he is presented as an unknown, big, hairy, stinky, and perhaps wildly dangerous inhabitant of the deep woods of the Southern U.S.” (2). This depiction provides a visual representation of how Bigfoot is often perceived as both mysterious and threatening, reflecting people’s fear of the wild and the unknown.

Although Bigfoot is often perceived as frightening, his character can also represent isolation and a sense of mystery. Jim Hewkin notes, "The thing about wild animals, they're solitary, and Bigfoot is the most solitary of all" (McLeod 10). This emphasizes that Bigfoot’s solitude sets him apart from other creatures and animals, illustrating his symbolic connection to the detachment and loneliness from society. Being such a reclusive cryptid, Bigfoot is rarely seen, staying distant from both humans and animals (Carrion 16). This evidence reinforces the idea that Bigfoot’s tendency to avoid interaction and remain hidden is associated with his mysterious reputation. Many stories describe him as a more solitary creature who avoids humans whenever possible and lives in the deep, wooded areas. For example, in October 1967, two men named Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin filmed footage of what appeared to be a large, hairy, and tall creature walking upright along Bluff Creek, California. This film has become one of the most famous and intriguing pieces of alleged Bigfoot evidence (Korff 35). Rare appearances continue to spark curiosity in society and strengthen Bigfoot's image as an elusive figure. With this being said, Bigfoot is also a secretive creature (Bindernagel 47). He is often trying to hide from the eyes of humans. Bigfoot is portrayed as intelligent and cautious, which helps to aid him and allows him to be secretive: “appearing to be an intelligent, cautious primate that deliberately avoids human contact” (Coleman 7). Being intelligent allows Bigfoot to stay isolated. His isolation allows society to gain insight into how he may symbolize groups or individuals who often withdraw from the world when they feel misunderstood or threatened, or how different beliefs and traditions may develop in isolation.

Beyond his physical description, “including the huge footprints he leaves behind” (Smithsonian Magazine), his elusive nature, and mysterious behavior, Bigfoot symbolizes humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world and the mysteries that lie beyond it. He represents both people's fascination and fear with what cannot be explained. His hidden existence typically reflects the human desire to seek the truth while also fearing what might be discovered. In a variety of ways, Bigfoot can be seen as a reminder of nature’s independence and power (the force that cannot be fully understood and controlled by humans). His story illustrates the theme of man versus nature, demonstrating how curiosity and respect must coexist when exploring the world's mysteries. Bigfoot’s existence in folklore reminds society to appreciate nature's wildness and the idea that not everything in life should or can be proven. This may explain why so many gravitate to the symbol Bigfoot portrays. “If Bigfoot is an animal possessing instinct, then his fight-or-flight intuition might account for his adeptness at hiding and running from potential danger (Mart and Cabre 3). This may be a reason why he is rarely seen. He is also considered to be lonely, intelligent, scared, and solitary, which are reasons for internal conflicts. This is where these internal conflicts reveal that Bigfoot's mind and feelings have an impact on him. These internal conflicts reveal the emotional depth behind Bigfoot’s legend, which suggests that even a mythical being can mirror human vulnerability. Bigfoot’s story reveals that he not only serves as a mysterious creature—one that is, as Buhs notes, “a creature defined by avoidance, always keeping to the shadows and fleeing at the slightest sign of humans,” (Buhs 62)—but also as a warning and a lesson, reminding humanity to respect the mysteries of nature rather than to accept and overcome them.

Overall, the evidence is clear that the physical and mental traits associated with Bigfoot remain central to understanding his impact on society. He truly stands out and captures human imagination. By revisiting qualities such as his physical features and traits that shape his legend, including his hairy build, massive footprints that he often leaves behind, and his mysterious and elusive nature. By reminding readers of these traits, he becomes a reflection of humanity’s societies alone, along with the fears and desires of the unknown. All in all, this shows how his legend encourages people to respect the natural world as it is and accept how different mysteries are meant to be unsolved.