Skinwalkers

Skinwalkers, known in Navajo as yee naaldlooshii ("with it, he goes on all fours"), are malevolent witches from Navajo folklore capable of shapeshifting into animals, such as wolves, coyotes, or bears. These figures represent the ultimate perversion of Navajo cultural values, often depicted as former healers who turned to evil, performing heinous acts to gain supernatural powers. They are deeply feared and rarely discussed with outsiders. 

Key Aspects of the Skinwalker Legend

• Definition & Origin: They are not supernatural monsters, but rather human witches or sorcerers who have attained the highest level of priesthood only to use their power for selfish, destructive purposes.
• Transformation: Skinwalkers transform by donning the skins of animals, often involving taboo acts like killing a family member to achieve their transformation.
• Abilities: Beyond turning into animals, they possess supernatural speed, strength, and the ability to mimic human voices to lure victims. They are associated with causing illness, chaos, and death.
• Appearance: When in human form, they may appear almost normal but with intense, glowing eyes or animal-like features.
• Cultural Significance: Within Navajo culture, discussing skinwalkers is considered taboo and dangerous, as it is believed to attract them. 

Protection and Defence
According to legend, stories often focus on surviving encounters with these entities.

• Protection: Traditional methods of protection include using white ash to injure them and using special prayers or amulets.
• Weakness: If a skinwalker's true identity is discovered, they must be called by their full name, which causes them to become ill or die from their crimes. 

The legend serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, selfishness, and the abuse of spiritual power.