Why this is the Most Terrifying Native American Legend
Skinwalkers are very dangerous but can be identified if the unwary know where to look. The Navajo term for them is “yee naaldlooshii” or “with it, he goes on all fours.” The majority are said to be male.
Medicine men and Skinwalkers
Medicine men are the key figures who turn into Skinwalkers. The Navajo Legends site writes those who have “attained the highest level of priesthood in the tribe, but chose to use his or her power for evil” are candidates for the change. Rituals form an essential part of not only Native American life, but the lives of Skinwalkers. Ancient ceremonies are performed in caves, with an elder positioned as the leader of the group.
They engage in dark practices referred to collectively as the “Witchery Way.” How do potential Skinwalkers gain their powers? As might be expected, the details are grim. Family members are prime targets – to be initiated, the medicine man or warped woman must kill a sibling or someone in their close family.
After inheriting the malevolent mantle, individuals can then display a range of physical abilities through the animals they become. Navajo Legends mentions how they “are typically seen in the form of a coyote, owl, fox, wolf or crow – although they do have the ability to turn into any animal they choose.” Transformations occur at night, and other creatures can be controlled by Skinwalkers. Tribe members may fear being set upon in the darkness by an army of sharp-clawed servants.
Grave robbers
The nightmare doesn’t end with shape-shifting. They can take possession of another human through eye contact, eyes playing an important part in Skinwalker lore. The witch will have human eyes when transformed and animal eyes when in human form!
Skinwalkers have been known to rummage around in graves. This is partly to steal whatever’s inside, but also reportedly to extract a powder from corpses that is then used to poison people. A tribe member who falls sick may well wonder if they crossed paths with a Skinwalker. “These witches live on the unexpired lives of their victims,” writes Legends of America, “and they must continually kill or perish themselves.”
Despite their formidable reputation, Skinwalkers can be defeated. “Those who do track a skinwalker and learn of their true identity must pronounce the name of the evil one in full,” says Navajo Legends. “Once this happens, the skinwalker will get sick or die for the wrongs they have inflicted against others.”
Stories aside, can anyone prove they’ve seen a Skinwalker? Legends of America mentions that “When they have been seen, they have been described as not quite human and not fully animal.” In a Hulk-like twist, the witch has sometimes been spotted “wearing tattered shirts or jeans.”
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| Navajo shaman gives medicine to participant sitting atop blanket used in sweat bath, as two others look on. |
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