Skinwalkers are almost immortal. The only way to kill a skinwalker is to find out its true identity and say its name to its face. The Skinwalker will then slowly wither and die over the course of 3 days. Because of this, skinwalkers are one of the toughest creatures to kill.
I have been asking Navajo elders for information on the skinwalkers. Many refuse to talk fearing that talking about a skinwalker will alert it of their presence. Then the skinwalkers will begin to hunt them.
Some information I have extracted relates to how to identify a skinwalker is footprints. If an animal leaves footprints which will then turn to human over time it is guaranteed they are a skinwalker. Another sign is animals which can not be killed. Weapons have no effect on them, bullets simply bounce off. Another sign is animal skins left lying around. Skinwalkers also leave a foul stench wherever they go. Skinwalkers are prominent in America and often take on the forms of wolves, coyotes, foxes, owls and crows although they can become any animal/human they want. Skinwalkers are said to smell like rotting flesh and while transformed can only talk by mimicking words. When a skinwalker mimicks a person they have trouble with control over their own body. They can only attempt to blend in by mimicking.
Skinwalkers are said to have done something so terrible they have let a demon into their body. They can still control themselves but gain supernatural powers and a malevolent nature. When not shapeshifted they are said to go into a half human half animal for to efficiently use energy. The Skinwalker is an interesting creature. It is of native American myth. Legend says it can turn into any animal it desires. They choose which animal to turn into based on what abilities they need, for example a bird to fly.
It has been hard for me to gain information on the Navajo Skinwalker as many native American tribe members refuse to talk about it out of fear. They often believe skinwalkers live amongst the tribe and transform during night. A skinwalker is a man who after doing some immensely evil deeds has gained powers which allow them to transform into an animal or person. One of these evil deeds include killing a close family member. Skinwalkers are evil by nature and will try to inflict harm. Skinwalkers are known to do small things such as banging on walls, running on roofs and smashing windows to scare people but more typically will try to kill people for fun or food. |
AuthorCallum Thorburn ArchivesCategories |