The Jack-O-Lantern is an item in the Hood series that serves as a protective ward against lesser spirits. The Wolf carves it from a small pumpkin using the alchemist's knife. When illuminated by a candle, it becomes a "soulless" face that is horrific to the dark spirits of the woods. It gets him answers from the first demon he encounters upon leaving Shadetale.
Though it is useful at first in keeping spirits and demons at bay, the Jack-O-Lantern quickly decays, becoming significantly weaker by the time the Wolf enters the Spirit World.