The Wolves of God, and Other Fey Stories

"The Wolves of God, and Other Fey Stories" by Algernon Blackwood and Wilfred Wilson is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The stories explore themes of nature, folklore, and the supernatural, often weaving elements of horror and mysticism into their narratives. The opening story, "The Wolves of God," centers on Jim Peace, a man returning to his homeland in the Orkneys after spending thirty years in the Canadian wilderness, where he confronts both fond memories and deep anxieties. At the start of the tale, Jim arrives at the familiar yet haunting landscape of Sanday, filled with conflicting emotions as he reconnects with his brother Tom. Their reunion stirs complexities underlying Jim's silence and unease, hinting at a deeper terror that haunts him from his time in the wild. Throughout their drive home to the old farm, an impending sense of dread builds, especially highlighted by Jim's reaction to natural sounds he encounters, such as the barking of a dog, which stirs memories of the “Wolves of God.” As the story progresses, Jim's fear escalates, culminating in a haunting revelation about the terrifying sacrifice he made in the wilderness, suggesting themes of existential horror and the lasting effects of isolation.