However, the concept of shapeshifting has been around far longer than most of us can even fathom. In , three brothers explored a cave in southwest France, and discovered ancient drawings along the cavern walls. Some of these drawings, which have been dated back to 13, B.
But what does shapeshifting fully entail? And is it an ability humans will ever be able to learn? To completely understand shapeshifting, we must first start from the beginning. In essence, shapeshifting is the ability to physically transform into another shape, be it that of another human, or an animal.
This also includes the idea that animals can turn into other animals. Shapeshifting can come about in a variety of ways. In some myths, the ability to shapeshift is an inherent one—meaning some people are simply born with the skill. Other shapeshifters allegedly acquire the skill by means of magic, or divine intervention. Shapeshifters can often control when they change shape, but not always. This ability to metamorph is also known as therianthropy.
This rather antiquated term also pertains to when a deity transforms a human into some type of floral or fauna. Shapeshifting is a cross-cultural concept, spanning continents, countries, and multiple religions.
The idea that someone can turn into an animal at will has been a prevalent notion in literature since the Epic of Gilgamesh was written in B. There are multiple types of animals that are common in varying myths, but none so more than the werewolf. This popular concept is also known as lycanthrophy. The ability to turn into a wolf exists in Native American, European, and Canadian cultures, but often seems most heavily used in Norse mythology.
Loki, the famous Norse God, is said to have turned into a female wolf in order to bear his son, Fenrir. The Volsunga saga is a poem that was written in the 13th Century.
In it, many mythological characters turn into wolves, both on purpose, and by accident. In Scandanavian culture, there also exists the Maras, an entire race of female werewolves. Stories from Trinidad, and Tobago also include humans that have the ability to turn into wolves.
They are often referred to as the loup-garou, yet another term for werewolf. It is believed that abilities are handed down from ancient creole families—families that practice old African magic, or perhaps even a family member that considers themselves to be a witch doctor. But there are many other types of shapeshifters, varying in appearance, ability, and perhaps most importantly, intent. Here are some examples of humans that change shape for malevolent reasons. According to the Navajos, skin-walkers are evil witches that possess the ability to turn into different animals.
Most tales regarding skin-walkers are not openly discussed outside of Navajo communities, however, it is believed that these particular shapeshifters were once traditional healers, who eventually became corrupt. The wendigo is a mythological evil spirit, from the Algonquian tribes of Eastern Canada.
It is believed that this evil entity can possess, and control humans, forcing them to commit murder, and sometimes cannibalism. The wendigo has become more widely known, and has even influenced the naming of a modern, controversial syndrome, known as Wendigo Psychosis. Psychiatrists use this term to describe individuals who both fear they will become cannibals, and for those who actually admit to craving human flesh.
The Ijiraq is an Inuit shapeshifter that assumes as many forms as it wills. The Ijiraq is very elusive, and impossible to see if you attempt to look at it straight on. Instead, an Ijiraq will slip by in your periphery. These eerie beings can occasionally be helpful to hunters that stumble upon them. Or they can be dangerously manipulative—to a fatal extent. The Ijiraq are also known for slipping into family dwellings at night, kidnapping any children present, and abandoning them in some far away, deserted location.
According to myths from the Philippines, the dreaded Aswang is a very evil, very adaptable shapeshifter. It can assume the shape of a bat, a black boar, a black cat, or a large black dog. It likes to emerge at night, and stalk any humans it can find. Other shapeshifters, such as the Kapre, the Tikbalang, and the Engkanto, also exist in Philippino culture. These types of shapeshifters are known for their attempts at wooding young, attractive females who have yet to be married.
In one better-known story, called Chonguita the Monkey Wife, a beautiful woman is lured out by one of these malicious shapeshifters. She is turned into a monkey against her will, and will remain a monkey until the end of her days…unless she finds a handsome young man, makes him fall in love with her, and he offers her his hand in marriage. The Kumiho is a fox that possesses the ability to take on the shape of any human it likes.
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Gigantes Prof. Geller - October 15, 0. By Prof. Last Updated: December 7, Notify of. Inline Feedbacks. Ganindu yashodhara. August 6, am. Ma boi. What do you think? Could it actually prove that reptilian shapeshifters are infiltrating human society? Or is just a simple hoax? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Shapeshifter Transforms in Cinema. While waiting in a cinema for a film to begin, an audience member begins recording a couple arguing a few rows in front of them.
The woman grows increasingly distressed and stands up from her seat. Her boyfriend too, stands up and as he does, the woman appears to take on his form. The shapeshifter then touches the man who immediately faints. The shapeshifter lowers him to the floor before grabbing a bag and heading for the exit.
The man, who now appears to have totally white eyes lies motionless in the isle as the remaining movie goers rush for the doors.
A short time later, an usher attempts to wake the man. He immediately stands up and runs for the exit.
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