Skinwalkers: Terror of the Southwest Tribes

Skinwalkers appear in the legends of many Native American tribes, but the most frequently cited is the Navajo. These beings are said to have a human form but to have the ability to transform into terrifying beasts. They can transform into any number of formidable animals such as coyotes, wolves, bears, or birds of prey. One name for them is the Navajo “Yee Naaldlooshii,” which translates to, “With it, he goes on all fours,” or just “Naagloshii.” The legends are somewhat different depending upon the region or tribe of origin, but the main details of the the being and the experiences with them tend to remain the same.

According to the known lore, Skinwalkers were once humans who had great spiritual power. Most often, they were shamans or Native American witches who became too arrogant, and in their hubris they crossed over into forbidden realms, or participated in dark ceremonies in the pursuit of power. It is a common practice among shamans to work with animal spirits and to form bonds with certain animal totems, but these individuals pushed that relationship too far by calling upon evil forces that would grant them the power to physically transform into animals of their choosing. The sorts of rituals required to gain such immense power involve horrible acts, or even atrocities, which are forbidden within most Native American cultures, such as the murder of a family member. These shamans possess an intoxicating level of power and strength while in their state of transformation, which compels them to remain in their animal form longer and longer. It is said that when these individuals spend too much time in their animal form, they begin to lose grasp of their humanity. As time passes, what was once human about them decays and the spirit of the animal takes over. When their humanity has all but disappeared, they become the Skinwalker.

It is said that the Skinwalkers can transform into whatever animal they choose by wearing its skin or another piece of the animal such as a foot or a tooth. Their options for transformation aren’t limited to the specific creature that they are adorned with however. When the shaman achieves a certain level of power or control, they…