Skinwalker Folklore
Unravel the ancient Native American folklore of the Skinwalker, where supernatural creatures take the form of animals such as wolves or coyotes, embodying darkness and destruction. This website delves into the roots of this enigmatic tradition, believed to stem from Navajo beliefs in black magic and its taboo nature within their culture. Through an analysis of oral histories, ethnographic accounts, and contemporary media, we uncover how the Skinwalker myth reflects cultural values and the impact of non-Native appropriation. Discover the profound impact of the Skinwalker legend on Native communities, its allure across diverse audiences, and its enduring role in preserving Navajo heritage for generations to come.
What is a Skinwalker?
The Skinwalker (Navajo: yee naaldlooshii) tale is a complex story about supernatural beings capable of transforming into animals, usually wolves or coyotes, and generally with evil intentions. Healers are never referred to by this term. Yee naaldlooshii translates to "by means of it, it goes on all fours" in Navajo. Verbal folklore includes any kind of lore involving words, whether set to music, organized in chronological story form, or simply labeling an activity or expressing a belief with a word or phrase (Sims & Stephens, 2011, p.12). Some of the most recognizable forms of verbal lore studied by folklorists are folk songs, myths, and folktales which we see here that these beliefs has been passed down through centuries as a cautionary tale and a symbol of Native American tradition. However, due to the sensitivity of the Skinwalker legend's circulation to outsiders, its precise origins and growth remain unknown. Nonetheless, its link to Navajo traditions concerning black magic and the perpetration of evil wrongdoing against family members is well known. Witchcraft is dangerous and a taboo in Navajo tradition, with severe repercussions for those found culpable. Skinwalkers, said to be the most powerful witches, instill fear within the Native American culture and are symbols of evil and destruction.