Skin-walker facts for kids
A skin-walker is a scary creature from Navajo culture. In the Navajo language, they are called yee naaldlooshii, which means "by means of it, it goes on all fours." A skin-walker is a type of harmful witch who can change into an animal, or even take over an animal's body. They are never healers.
Skin-walkers are seen as the opposite of what is good in Navajo culture. They use bad magic and perform harmful ceremonies. This is very different from medicine people, who use their knowledge to help others.
The stories of skin-walkers are very old and important in Navajo traditions. People usually do not talk about them with outsiders. This is because of cultural rules and because others might not understand the deep meaning of these stories. Skin-walkers are often shown using their powers for evil. They are a source of fear and mystery in Navajo communities. Old stories say they are powerful sorcerers who can turn into animals whenever they want, after doing many bad things.
What Are Skin-Walkers?
In the Navajo language, yee naaldlooshii means "by means of it, it goes on all fours." This is the most common type of skin-walker that people outside the Navajo culture might hear about. However, there are actually several different kinds of skin-walkers in Navajo beliefs. The yee naaldlooshii is one specific type of 'ánti'įhnii.
Navajo witches, including skin-walkers, go against the good values of Navajo culture. While healers are respected members of the community, witches are seen as evil. They use harmful magic and ceremonies. This is a twisted version of the good work that medicine people do. Traditional healers learn about both good and bad magic. This helps them protect people from evil. But those who choose to become witches are seen as corrupt and bad.
The stories of skin-walkers are not well understood by people outside of Navajo culture. This is partly because Navajo people are careful about sharing these stories. It is also because outsiders often do not have the full cultural background needed to understand them properly. Traditional Navajo people are careful about discussing skin-walker stories with non-Navajos, or even among those they do not fully trust.
Skin-Walker Legends
Animals often linked with skin-walkers include tricksters like the coyote. However, they can also turn into other creatures. These are usually animals that are connected to death or bad signs. Skin-walkers might also take over the bodies of living animals or even people. Skin-walkers can be male or female.
See also
- Deer Woman
- Huay Chivo
- Madam Koi Koi
- Nagual
- Odiyan
- Skinwalker Ranch
- Warlock
- Werewolf
