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Of course, even if we can imagine a shape shifting creature, it is not obvious that you and I could become one. There may be no way to transform ourselves into shape shifters. As far as I can tell, we would have to grow different sorts of cells than we have now, and we would have to change our genome. We would have to change it a great deal.
- What Is Shapeshifting?
- Types of Shapeshifters
- The Skin-Walkers
- The Wendigo
- The Ijiraq
- The Aswang
- The Kumiho
- Shapeshifters in Greek Mythology
- Shapeshifters in Irish, and British Mythology
- Shapeshifters in Indian Mythology
To completely understand shapeshifting, we must first start from the beginning. In essence, shapeshifting is the ability to physically transform into another shape, be it that of another human, or an animal. This also includes the idea that animals can turn into other animals. Shapeshifting can come about in a variety of ways. In some myths, the ab...
There are multiple types of animals that are common in varying myths, but none so more than the werewolf. This popular concept is also known as lycanthrophy. The ability to turn into a wolf exists in Native American, European, and Canadian cultures, but often seems most heavily used in Norse mythology. Loki, the famous Norse God, is said to have tu...
According to the Navajos, skin-walkers are evil witches that possess the ability to turn into different animals. Most tales regarding skin-walkers are not openly discussed outside of Navajo communities, however, it is believed that these particular shapeshifters were once traditional healers, who eventually became corrupt.
The wendigois a mythological evil spirit, from the Algonquian tribes of Eastern Canada. It is believed that this evil entity can possess, and control humans, forcing them to commit murder, and sometimes cannibalism. The wendigo has become more widely known, and has even influenced the naming of a modern, controversial syndrome, known as Wendigo Psy...
The Ijiraq is an Inuit shapeshifter that assumes as many forms as it wills. The Ijiraq is very elusive, and impossible to see if you attempt to look at it straight on. Instead, an Ijiraq will slip by in your periphery. These eerie beings can occasionally be helpful to hunters that stumble upon them. Or they can be dangerously manipulative–to a fata...
According to myths from the Philippines, the dreaded Aswang is a very evil, very adaptable shapeshifter. It can assume the shape of a bat, a black boar, a black cat, or a large black dog. It likes to emerge at night, and stalk any humans it can find. Other shapeshifters, such as the Kapre, the Tikbalang, and the Engkanto, also exist in Philippino c...
The Kumiho is a fox that possesses the ability to take on the shape of any human it likes. Stories of the Kumiho are prevalent in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean culture, but the animal is considered friendly in nature to the Chinese, and Japanese. Koren myths tell of evil deeds done by the fox. Wanting to be a full human, this nine tailed fox will o...
Shapeshifting is a common occurrence in early Greek literature, and often linked to deities, such as Homer’s The Odyssey. In the epic poem, Odysseus’ men are turned into pigs, thanks to the Goddess Circe. Proteus, a Greek God of rivers, and oceans, is also known for his shapeshifting abilities. Gifted with the ability to foretell the future,Proteus...
Fairies, witches, and wizards make frequent appearances in Irish, and British folktales, and they often have the ability to change their appearance as a plot device. It is believed that many types of fairieswere merely limited to creating glamors–temporary illusions to slightly alter their appearance. But many witches and wizards had the capability...
Hindu folklore tells of the Rakshasa, demonic beings that assume the shape of various animals in order to trick humans. The Rakshasa in their natural forms are said to have two large fangs, and long claws as fingernails. They enjoy feasting on human beings. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it is believed that a race of people called Naga exist. ...
- Becky Stephenson
- Kushtaka. Sometimes, it's the creature you least expect that wields dangerous shapeshifting ability. The Indigenous Tlingit, Tsimshian, Nootka, and Haida people of northwestern Canada and Alaska believe in malevolent shapeshifting sea otters called kushtaka or kooshdakhaa that can turn into people or large two-legged half-otter, half-human creatures.
- Aswang. What's more terrifying than a werewolf, a witch, or a vampire? How about a creature that combines the worst aspects of all three. In the Philippines, tales of the fearsome night-prowling aswang have persisted since the 16th century.
- Kitsune. Some shapeshifters are masters in the art of seduction. In Japanese folklore, kitsune are supernatural foxes that can turn into humans once they reach a certain age.
- Selkie. In Irish, Scottish, and Icelandic folklore, selkies are seal shapeshifters that can shed their skins and tails and come ashore. They usually take the form of dark-haired humans who are often alluring and attractive to mortals.
Oct 26, 2023 · Anthropologist Clyde Kluckhohn described skinwalkers as secret witches (mostly male, some female) who creep out in the night to take the form of swift-moving animals like the wolf and coyote. Image by 024-657-834 from Pixabay. The Navajo, or Diné, people of North America hold deep beliefs in magic and shape-shifting, exemplified by yee ...
Aug 21, 2023 · Shapeshifting is possible. Being able to shapeshift, however, requires letting go of beliefs making it impossible. That’s no easy feat.
- Perry Gruber
Aug 7, 2023 · With the release of Netflix's Nimona, shapeshifting is still alive and well in the age of streaming services. ... Still, she knows how to let loose and have fun, especially in animal form.
Feb 20, 2024 · Shapeshifting is a classic superhero skill. There’s X-Men’s Mystique, DC’s Clayface, Martian Manhunter, and Beast Boy, Marvel’s Ms. Marvel, and more. DC. Tap . search. Entertainment.
