| Skin-Walker | |
|---|---|
 ' | |
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Other names |
Yee naaldlooshii |
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First Appearance |
Native American Folklore |
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Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
In Navajo culture, a skin-walker is a type of harmful witch who has the ability to turn into, possess, or disguise themselves as an animal. The term is never used for healers.
The yee naaldlooshii, translating to "by means of it, it goes on all fours," is one of several types of skin-walkers within Navajo beliefs. These witches are seen as the antithesis of Navajo values, performing malevolent ceremonies and using manipulative magic in stark contrast to the beneficial works of medicine people.
The legend of skin-walkers is deeply embedded in Navajo tradition and rarely discussed with outsiders. This reticence is partly due to cultural taboos and the lack of contextual understanding by non-Navajos. Stories often depict skin-walkers using their powers for evil, and they are considered a source of fear and mystery within Navajo communities. Traditional accounts describe them as powerful sorcerers who, after engaging in various nefarious acts, gain the ability to transform into animals at will.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Skin-walkers from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Notes[]
- In episode 5 of Season 3 of the original Ben 10 series, while in Arizona, Grandpa Max stops to visit an old friend, who's a Navajo Chief. Suddenly, a powerful storm comes out of nowhere. And behind bolts of purple lightning, a Navajo werewolf, Yenaldooshi, appears. As Ben battles the werewolf, he appears to be bitten and turns into Benwolf.