Hey Jon I just want to know if you could do a video on witches, cause like I'm a kind of new witch myself and we are really misunderstood. I'm not evil just cause I'm a 13year old who reads tarot cards, and have a 'bird foot' around my neck
I am no longer sick of skinwalkers -- just their stupid internet stories. This perspective is far more interesting. Question (and it may be a stupid one): What is the folklore behind the Great Lakes region dogman? I know it's not a skinwalker, wendigo or werewolf, so what exactly is it? Thanks again for awesome content, Jon. You're the best.
Please do a messed origins video of the wizard of oz because I'm pretty sure we've all watched the movie but I've never read the book although I've heard a few things about what happens and the novel is way darker.
If you're going into Native American folklore, you should check out the Cherokee legend of Spearfinger. I heard a tame version of it as a kid from a guest storyteller, and when I found the full legend years later, I found myself even more in awe.
@@kinman3051 A malevolent spirit with an elongated obsidian claw on her right hand. She would use it to tear open her victims and feast on their livers. She was also a shapeshifter and master of deception, so she could disguise herself as a loved one and enter their homes. To sum it up, it's a tale that teaches about trust, caution, and the strength of unity from when the whole community bands together against her.
I’m Navajo and we’re not allowed to speak about them, whistle at night and I hate it when people joke about them and the mispronunciation of the traditional name
Wasn't the spoken word all they had to tell tales and information before? I mean, I know what your saying is true about a lot of native people, but at the same time, everything was originally word of mouth?
Thanks for getting the information correct on the Skinwalkers, it's annoying when it isn't pointed out that it is a specific Navajo cultural topic because not all Native American tribes are the same and do have varied beliefs, I also wanted to say you are not pronouncing the word correctly but I won't correct you due to the belief of calling it's name is inviting it into your space. Also the Navajo Nation has a few tribal colleges that do employ medicine people for easy access to traditional knowledge or even have course classes so if you want sources from the culture and the people themselves contacting the tribal colleges is a good start. Dine' College is one of those colleges. Also Ashkii means "boy" and Hastiin means "man".
Thank you for this information! I had no idea that there schooling available for the public, outside of special events. It is amazing and will definitely look into it.
@@cynthiadollar9163 not sure if there is it a degree to become a medicine person, but there are some who work with Dine' College to help keep the teachings alive
My father used to tell us stories about them, he used to tell us that long ago before the settlers came they use skinwalking to go long distances and as time went on it took on this evil ways. My Grandpa told me a story about his father shooting a coyote that killed his livestock and followed the blood trail back to a Hogan (home) where he found that it had turn back into a man and dying from the gunshot, so Grandpa said normal bullets can't harm them but ash was rubbed onto the bullet and that did the trick.. i miss my dad and grandpa, loved their stories..
My mom told me a story that my grandpa told her. She said that a black cat had waltzed into my great grandfathers house and there was a negative energy in the room instantly. My great grandpa beat the cat and it ran out of the house and never came back. There was trail of blood that led to a house in the village. Inside, a lady was found with broken bones and she was said to be a witch. This all takes place in rural Mexico. It’s eerie how similar our stories are
I love these Native American folklore explanations. There is so much misinformation about them, its a breath of fresh air watching these informative and inspirational videos.
As an Indigenous Australia, in my people's culture, there are some tribes that believe in mythical creatures and tell stories that are similar to Skinwalkers and other Native American creatures and stories like such as The Wendigo, Sasquatch and the Kushtaka (Otterman).
Not many folk have any knowledge of the Kushtaka. I am impressed you found it all the way in Australia. Jon that would make a worthwhile video. Inuit lore.
Kushtaka?? I grew up in midwest USA and our little river otters are adorable. One once followed me a couple miles down the shoreline playing in the water and doing all kinds of flips. Conversely I've seen South American otters and they are absolutely terrifying. The idea of a kushtaka makes my blood run cold.
I'm also Australian, although not indigenous, and am extremely interested in folklore and cryptids from all over the world. I'm familiar with many Aboriginal cryptids/beliefs, but obviously there are many that I'm ignorant of. Would you be able to give me any more information on Aboriginal legends that draw parallels with skinwalkers? I'm quite interested, but I've never come across any Aboriginal lore that references any kind of shape shifters. I understand if you can't, I know not everything is able to be shared with outsiders openly. But it does fascinate me and I am always keen to learn more about the history of our home.
Thank you for delving into the very rich Native American folklore. I was born and raised in New Mexico and have heard many stories, including tales about skinwalkers. Another interesting creature in Native American folklore, with a possible basis in reality, are the Teihiihan. Minature cannibals..
I grew up knowing not to talk about them, and heard some stories from my mom and uncle about them. I love that you did this, for it helps keep native beliefs alive, and shows the world just how much history, and culture, and religion has been lost.
So, I had a friend years ago that was engaged to a Navaho man. She had just gotten back from a visit to the rez to see his family, the first thing she did was start to tell me how she saw a skin walker and they were real. I had never heard it before so I asked what it was. Her initial explanation wasn't very coherent, but she definitely said "but you're not supposed talk about them, as that calls them to you." If that wasn't bad enough, she said she saw it because she was asking people about and wanted to hear stories despite people telling her to stop. Even her fiance gave her side eye while she told me. She went on for another 10 minutes. Honestly I just tuned her out and nodded. I couldn't believe how disrespectful she was being. I didn't need the details to know that much. It's worth mention... we weren't friends much longer, she is the human equivalent of white Wonder-Bread. Her fiance was also a horrible human being too.
Ain't gon lie , I wouldn't mind more story times like this , I legit got chills listening and I ain't easily shaken by horror stories growing up hearing alot myself.
I live in the southwest and all the Navajo people I know have told me skinwalkers are very real. The stories they have about them and actual irl encounters are so scary! The seriousness with which theyre discussed definitely makes me think theyre real like skinwalkers are no joke.
The Cherokee group has their own shapeshifting witches called Raven Mockers who turn into giant fireballs or invisible to sneak into peoples homes and steal their hearts to add to their extended lives. The only story I’ve heard about them was a hunter heading back home decides to stay the night at his friends place cuz it’s getting late. No one is home when gets there so he lets himself in and finds a corner to sleep in but as soon as he gets comfy he hears the sound of two giant birds landing on the roof. His friend and his friends wife walk in carrying a human heart and put it on a fire to cook and eat. Eventually his friend notices the hunter watching them in the corner and ask him not to snitch on them if he lets him stay the night. Next morning dude goes home and snitches then comes back with a group to kill them only to find two really old skeletons in their bed.
I believe skinwalkers are real. I lived in Colorado for most of my life and I have heard stories from my Native friends. They would even tell me where not to go in the woods because that is where they live. I have never seen or experienced one but I really don't want to. I am glad you said that they choose to be a skinwalker. The origin story I heard was during a famine the women of a tribe used black magic to save their children but in return were cursed to become skinwalkers.
Of course they are real. In the sense they were real people labeled as skin walkers in order to be ostracized bu the rest of society. It's easy to take advantage of superstitious ignorant people.
There was an actual court case in Flagstaff, Arizona a number of years ago where the murder of a young woman was determined to be the act of a skinwalker. There were some strange oddities about this case. There is a real belief in them. I have heard some skinwalker tales from my Dine' friends that still give me the willies when I think of them. They are not to be trifled with.
Yeah I always hear about that too, it happened at the hospital (the young woman was a nurse taking a break on the trail towards the east of the hospital), they couldn't find any leads, the scene was messy I heard, and igz the guy who was convicted actually turned himself in because it was in the news and he said he had a dream of turning into a skinwalker and attacking her, he obviously thought it was just a dream till all the news. But the young womans family wanted to let him go cuz they were Navajo and believed that he was cursed or something.
I know someone who saw an actual skinwalker in Flagstaff. They were with a Navajo when it happenned and thats why they know the creature wasnt just an odd animal but a skinwalker. All the Navajo people I know say they are very real. The stories are super scary.
@@russianvalkyrie2358 idk about that cuz usually u get nightmares and ur emotions aren't the same, I've heard many times when people saw them and that happened to them. I used to hear a lot because I would watch movies at a low volume as a kid while my grandpa did ceremonies and prayers
Great video! Jon wrapped it up with what I was already thinking: there are people whose morality is completely inverted, and the only way to fight them is to do good, not to match their evil, and the Navajo came up with that concept on their own. It says a lot about the human condition.
I’m so glad that you’re telling the real story because it’s so hard to find info on the skinwalkers other than fake sightings and other misinformation,it’s also nice to see you do more videos on Native American creatures
I’ve heard the term Yenaldlooshi in the original Ben 10 series when Ben got scratched by an Alien Werewolf and a Navajo girl he liked thought Ben was turning into a Yenaldooshi and she wanted to keep Ben as a Pet.
Thought of this too,alot of people have pointed just how problematic that episode is too and I feel like the writers would've done better if they had actual Navajo people to consult them when writing it
My grandmother was full Cherokee. When she would tell us stories, she would tell us the stories without using the terms. She's where I got my love for storytelling. It wasn't until middle school that I heard terms and connected dots. But she was gone by then and her tribe disowned me. I still dabble in Native American folklore but I really wish I had people to interact with to learn more about the cultures. But I still am mad confused how Hollywood created the versions of Native American creatures they popularized. The two that confuse me most are skinwalkers being werewolves possessed by demons and wendigo having antlers/horns.
It's sad that your grandmother's tribe disowned you. No matter what their feelings, you are still part of their blood, and should be accepted for it. Perhaps they will eventually see the error of their ways, and welcome you back.
Nice job exploring the history, lore, and common stories of the Skin Walker… I have been wondering about their nature and this ties with the Navajo tradition.
I grew up between several reservations and the Skin Walker beliefs vary from tribe to tribe with the Navajos being the least likely to want to talk about them, to the Pueblo people who will talk about them to outsiders (or at least to me, but I grew up with them). I'm surprised you went for the more limiting Navajo sources.
"Monsters are real, but not in your dreams. Learn what you can from the beasts you defeat. You'll need them for some of the people you'll meet." (From a song called, "Goodnight Demon Slayer," by Aurelio Voltaire Hernandez)
So a horror movie about them would be less of a monster flick and more of a psychological thriller. Honestly, the story of a Native American medicine man slowly becoming corrupt and disconnected from his community through various negative life events and bad decisions, culminating in him partaking in the ritual and then having a standoff with his sibling, who has been trying to get the main character back on the right path, fighting to the death in order to complete/stop the transformation would be pretty good. But no, Hollywood had to go the lazy route. 😑
Another great vid! What stood out to me the most was the whole not attacking in animal form point. If you're familiar with the Skinwalker Ranch story one of the first occurances was a large wolf stalking the family's property before walking directly up to them and not attacking. Even allowing the children to pet it!
My ex had gotten a book from her weird friend. It had a cartoon image of one of them. I told her to keep that book far away from our home. She didn’t understand why I got offended. at the time I didn’t understand why I felt that way but now knowing the origins it makes sense. My native half was warning me 😂
I heard about skinwalkers from a friend of mine who lives on the Washington reservation, he was told as a kid that skinwalkers are cursed hunters who didn't respect the animals they hunted for survival. Punished by their gods to become the animal they disrespected to teach them a lesson. Their transformation would be permanent if they didn't realize their mistake by the next full moon. It was a story to teach their people to give proper respect to their food source as a way of showing gratitude to nature, and that it doesn't take too kindly to ungrateful behavior that can lead to the tribe starving or having poor harvests.
The Navajos of Washington, never heard of em friend. Probably a creature of that tribe's folklore being mislabeled, or white people making up their own stories on something that doesn't belong to them-- you said lives there, not a member, after all.
I can't seem to find any videos of you talking about titans specifically, but maybe that's an upcoming episode. I'm curious as to which modern interpretation of Titan is closest to the Greek definition, and which is the farthest. Here are some examples: 1. Final Space - A race of giant alien creatures that were originally supposed to help with the upkeep of the galaxy, but became crazy after being corrupted by Invictus. 2. Attack On Titan - mindless beings that used to be human, but now destroy cities and devour humanity under the command of Titan generals. 3. Monsterverse - Giant creatures that occasionally fight, but who's soul purpose is to maintain the balance of the world. 4. Transformers - there's a long history of them covered in the video "Transformers the basics on Titans", but basically they're ancient beings that occasionally fight who's soul purpose is to spread cybertronian life throughout the galaxy by colonizing new worlds. 5. World Of Warcraft - Planet sized cosmic beings made of arcane magic and primordial matter bring the power of creation to planets.
Imagine just being an old man trying to live your life in peace and your entire community outcasts you and starts blaming you for every single bad thing that happens and accusing you or horrendous actions with absolutely zero evidence
Not really, Navajo people don't just blame outcasts cuz bad stuff is happening, most of us respect our elders, especially if they're indigenous. lol but if someone's being bothered, cursed, or something keeps killing the livestock, we just get a prayer/ceremony done and there's a part in it where u look into red embers, and u'll see the person who's bothering u (not super detailed but u'll probably recognize them) plz don't blow this out of proportion or try to recreate the ceremony in ur head
I was trying to figure out why the name sounded familiar… until I remembered that Ben 10 did an episode about an evil Yenaldooshi that turned out to just be an alien wolf that looked like a traditional human werewolf. Thank for correcting the pronunciation, guess I’ve been saying it wrong all these years 😅
Moms side is Apache and we never spoke about that subject. Now it was known by her mother that certain people in her village had been able to become animals. Now we’re talking the 1930’s-1940’s. She passed when I was 16. Thought she was my mom till I was 8. Wish I could have had more time with her on this plain. See you Mom, but not so soon.
Honestly the first time I've heard of a skinwalker was pretty scary and my older cousin did a very good explanation on them. Im not native American or anything but im pretty interested in the idea of Skin walkers
i have cousins that are navajo and used to live on a reservation. when my family visited, my sister had mentioned a skinwalker once, and nobody in the room talked with her, even hardly looked at her, until the next day. it was interesting to me, and im appreciative that i found a video like this to explain them to me.
The first place I ever encountered a “skinwalker” story was, apparently, in Ben 10 Classic, in an episode where the main characters visited an old friend living on a Navajo reservation. They encountered an alien that was mistaken for a “Yenaldooshi” (how they spelled it in the show), which was described as basically being a Navajo werewolf. Until today, I didn’t even realize they were two names for the same thing.
If you're covering Indigenous American stories, how about the one about Spider Woman or Spider Grandmother? Ive always found it interesting how widespread that one is.
Wow this was very interesting! I have lived in the Cherokee reservation my whole life and never heard of skin walkers. If course I'm Irish lol my husband is Cherokee though. I'm so jealous you guys are going to Ireland. One day I will go home.
Thank you for the clarification Jon. I really enjoy these videos but I also learn something new everytime I hear one of your story’s. Keep up the awesome work; 🔥🔥🔥as always
I’m not Native American but growing up in El Salvador 🇸🇻 my great uncle used to tell me about an entity like the skin walkers who were also witches who either turned into coyotes ,giant owls or some would turn into balls of fire to cause chaos and steal babies to drink their blood
Same thing in Haiti🇭🇹, they are real but we call them lougawo. They also secretly target their victims by stalking them by disguising themselves as animals and at night they attack or take the victim to either steal their soul or drink their blood. Or eat the person.
Wow, it’s amazing that these similar creature stories are all over these Americas. I’m half Nicaraguan, I’ve got to ask family about this if we have a similar story
I have been looking forward to this episode ever since you mentioned it and I was not disappointed! I love all your videos but I must admit that it's the spookier, creepy ones that I like the most. I've always found skin walkers terrifying and the fact that they are actual people makes it all the scarier. I particularly enjoyed the second story albeit very gruesome in parts! Keep up the good work Jon, your channel is amazing 🤩
I belong to several groups where members discuss Appalachian folklore, cryptids, witchcraft, and various "high strangeness" here in the regoin, and i can't even begin to count the times someone has seen something weird or heard some unseen being calling their name asking the group if it could be a skinwalker. You really can't get angry at them because there's so much incorrect information floating around out there, including the part where they don't live in this area and never have. These mountains are older than time itself, with enough high strangeness and folklore that we don't need to appropriate from other cultures. Thank you for taking the time to research from reputable sources !
I first heard the term "Skinwalker" in an episode of Smallville. Needless to say, they took the Hollywood route and completely ignored the mythology behind the term and just made it another way of saying werewolf. That last story you told was scary AF by the way.
Yo I'm always glad to hear some of my people's mythology being shared. I'm Navajo but like my uncle, im not a traditionalist so we chat about taboo stuff like this all the time.
Would you be interested in helping me out? I interviewed people who have seen weird stuff and then dive into their cases. I finished my rough cut for my 2nd interview in which they mentioned they suspect a skin walker is involved. I don't dive too deep into it due both to the limited reliable info and not wanting to make it too controversial. I tried looking in forums to see if any Navajo would look at it and let me know if it felt exploitative, offensive or sensational in any way so if that where the case I could fix it. So far nobody has actually listened to it but all the people in the forums are telling me to delete it on principle. It would be a big help if you or someone you know could take a look and let me know if I'm in the green or if I should make changes.
I think I've heard skinwalkers a few times. Me & my step dad went out to smoke & we heard whistling it sounded like it was coming around the corner of the house, then after a snow storm I heard someone screaming bloody murder, a few miles from my house & a few months ago I was outside smoking & checking my blood pressure on my watch & someone screamed turn that off, from the field across the street from my house. Then I had to go to my therapist a few months after, things just came at me to fast & up until yesterday, I was really mad at my step dad, like I hated him, I wanted to hit him with a cheap shot so many times & he was acting like he was mad at me, I don't know why & at the time didn't care
Seems more like a ghost, where do u live?? Not specific but in a small town or city?? Skinwalkers can whistle but it would be more like one of u would only hear it loudly and think ur tripping. They don't talk, scream, laugh, or pretty much nothing audible.
@@jameslink8 yeah they're usually in the reservation but it's pretty rare to have them near cities or towns, but it's not impossible, another comment was talking about a case that happened in Flagstaff Az.
I had actually heard that the real life family that inspired the Courage the Cowardly Dog show, had been thought to have been killed by skin walkers. Apparently them am and their neighbors had been reporting skinwalkera before their disappearance.
There were stories of them around a farm I worked on for a while and the number one rule was if the field went completely quite you would either get in your truck or 4x4 and gun it or climb a tree and get your rifle ready, gladly I never ran into anything like that but the other farm hands would always freak me out with stories 😬
I remember reading a paranormal fantasy book about 15 years ago that was my intro to skinwalkers, and was very true to the folklore you shared here, including that the person had to kill a family member to become one. I can't for the life of me remember what book it was, but think about it often.
I'm in the same boat. Don't remember the book, but I think maybe it was a Kitty and the Midnight Hour book? But I don't ever remember them getting into Native American folklore
I live and grew up in New Mexico, and am thrilled to hear Jon telling some obscure tales with respect and sensitivity. There's a reason the Navajo (and Pueblos) keep their lore close to the vest. Maybe if we outsiders could be trusted to explore the symbolism and psychology behind the tales, we would be invited to hear more of them in the ways they were intended to be told. Thank you, Solo Cups, for appreciating Jon's attention to detail!
So ... Native American Diabolists ... SCARY ... Thanks for the video! Kind of makes me wish they could do something like "The Conjuring" or "Insidious" but based on Native American folklore. ( would absolutely watch ... )
As a navajo this to me is partially half of the story, with parts added. The original reason "skinwalker" was a thing was for hunting - but like everything over time the bad bunch started to use the old ways for wrong reason toward their own.
I find it interesting how a lot of the misconceptions and interpretations are more often than not creatures/ cryptids from different Native American cultures
Thank you so much for this episode, it's so difficult to find actual accurate information about skinwalkers because of how whitewashed the consept has become from creepypasta and cinema, same with wendigos.
Speaking as someone who Practices Druidism and herbalism I feel that others knowing the stories would help in making people understand things better of course I always knew Skin Walkers were essentially dark shamans who gave into the temptation of darkness
*Been looking forward to this one. This is a side of the Native culture i don't know that much about.* And apart of my personal heritage Im not familiar with.
I love how much new info has come into clarify this lesser known and elusive monster, though there is one fact you forgot to mention: Skinwalkers can mimic any family member's voices, kind of like the Sirens as a way to lure wandering and unsuspecting victims into a trap. Plus to know if a certain animal is a Skinwalker is to trap it in it's animal form, and if it reverts back into it's human form, is when you can kill it. This of course was from Lost Tapes, which is how I got introduced to this legend.
The man with four legs don't talk, if they do they die and there is a story about that where a mom toss the babys poop out side of the Hogan and it landed on the man faced and the other one laughed and he died so the other one ran off because his cover was blown. They don't talk
As a Navajo, this is bs. U can't trap them like a cartoon character in ropes, and they don't talk, the only thing they do that is audible is whistle but usually it's to quiet and loud for the person who can hear it. I do believe in ghosts tho, back at my grandma's, my family would hear a little girl crying some nights and it's pretty easy looking around with a spot light because the land is flat, besides ditches, plus sage and juniper trees everywhere. Ik how how to get rid of them in many ways cuz my grandpa was a medicine man and I always heard stories from his ceremonies(it's not like he had a certain room, he lived in a hoogan and we didn't have much to do beside watching old Disney VHS tapes and rewinding) also from family, and friends. I don't want to tell, not because I think it will attract skinwalkers but I think someone who tries to retell it, they're gonna try to put their own stupid spin on it.
I think I first read about them in the book called "Kitty takes a Holiday". After that it was reading and research for me because I was curious. I never believed what Hollywood would give us.
Very nicely done, it is good to see someone cover skin walkers aside form the creepy pastas. While I do enjoy the stories hearing the historic perspective is a very good change of pace. There was no new information here for myself though hopefully many others will learn some good information.
I really love your videos! I’m only a teenager but have gotten braver and more interested in scary things? Your explanions help me (a little blind kid) with a little vision can understand and enjoy? I love learning and exploring!
I knew quite a bit even though it was due to my fascination with Skinwalker Ranch, but now I have a much deeper appreciation and knowledge. Since you did this one could you *please* cover Deer Lady and other indigenous lore ! I didn't know about her before Rez Dogs and now I want to consume all the native lore I can.
Deer lady is a hybrid half woman half deer a satyr of sorts that snatches mischievous male travelers in the night and drowns them. Legends go she was once a unwed woman who was known for her taxidermy skills particularly with deer pelts until she was raped and drown. She is supposedly summoned by whistling at night until she whistles back or by women in distress at night and supposedly located in darker areas of deep forest with densely packed trees. Places of isolation where the sunlight doesn't ever shine.
Oh i've been waiting for this one. Did you know that a man was convitcted wrongly due to a skinwalker? He was lated proven inncoent and released but still.
The story with Ushkhi (apologies if i spelled it wrong) sounds like it ties into the story of Many Goats Uncle , but just from the actual victims perspective. While Many goats uncle was from the perspective of the tribe . But in his story whenever they heard a coyote cry they wonder who’s child got taken tonight… It’s just ironic that there was a baby involved in both stories
There's a place called skinwalker ranch which is very interesting for a lot of paranormal investigators because of all the weird animals that they've seen on the grounds.
Jon Solo: Skinwalkers are seriously misunderstood! Goes on to describe them as evil witches, depraved and evil lifestyles, and being evil creatures. Me:................are they really misunderstood?!
Misunderstood isn't always a sympathetic term. He's saying that the internet and non Natives, in general, form their own conclusions and liken Skinwalkers to werewolves. That's the misunderstanding. Werewolves, in most Eurocentric lore, are victims of another werewolf. They don't want to do what they're said to do. Skinwalkers enter their lifestyle with deliberate intent; they know exactly what they're doing and they enjoy it.
While some form of magic does propel the werewolf, it can be intentional or not and generally not seen as wholly beneficial even for the practitioner as some can lose control. While everything about the skinwalkers is intentional and it is all about the benefit of the user that causes them to adopt that path. You need to delibrately perform evil acts to gain the powers, which is not limited to shape shifting. The latter is always evil in a way that inspires fear of those who only appear human. While the werewolf may just be in over their head. The misunderstanding is that skinwalkers might be evil beasts with superpowers instead of evil humans who shed their humanity.
@@deaconsmom2000 I think you're misunderstanding traditional European werewolves. The innocent victims are very much the minority of werewolf legends. Most often they're people who've bargained for supernatural powers... and get more than they expected, since the hunger and bloodlust of the werewolf causes them to become reckless, typically ending in capture, torture, and execution. France in particular was rife with werewolfery and a lot of people were burned at the stake as 'confirmed' werewolves.
As a white man from Washington who lives in New Mexico now, i hear people say "skinwalker" but every time i ask about it i get very brief and vague answers and this video helped me understand so much. Thank you
How many stories does @JonSolo know now? I bet he's probably close to being a seventh level bard by now. But maybe he actually has surpassed their number.
@@Topdoggie7 that is true. I was speaking in terms of the connection to Brehon Law as it pertains to their bardic 'level'. Especially since he's going to Ireland!
I don't have any connection with my tribe due to my grandfather taking the tribe number to his grave and telling no one beyond just the name of the tribe. Would anyone know the name of the Apache's equivalent of the skinwalker? And maybe the difference in terms of colors or where I could find that info. I tried to Google it and just got super general info basically saying "Yeah, Apache have a version of it"
Reading the comment section has been enlightening. I, personally, have never been in a social setting where i had the privilege to wutness different Native American tribes talk amongst themselves about their opinions on different tribe's traditions, rules, and beliefs. That's really cool to see.
I'm an igbo from Nigeria, my father and the elderly people in my community used to tell me and my siblings how my Great grandfather could turn to a lion at will and devour people, i never believed the stories, but I think it's real
I would really prefer that Native American beliefs & culture not be conflated with cryptids/used as proof for the existence of cryptids or be misappropriated in mainstream horror.
I think my dad's a skin walker. We were having a deep conversation while camping. And the convo steered towards skin walkers. And I was like it makes no sense. It's impossible. It's physically impossible. You would have to break down your body to the core. And he stops and proceeds to explain the process of turning into a new walker. And I was mind blown because it made perfect sense.
🌏 Exclusive! Grab the NordVPN deal ➼ nordvpn.com/jonsolo and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. ✌
Did u just reference Satan? I think u did
I have never heard of skin walkers outside of the name they have been given
Hey Jon I just want to know if you could do a video on witches, cause like I'm a kind of new witch myself and we are really misunderstood. I'm not evil just cause I'm a 13year old who reads tarot cards, and have a 'bird foot' around my neck
I am no longer sick of skinwalkers -- just their stupid internet stories. This perspective is far more interesting. Question (and it may be a stupid one): What is the folklore behind the Great Lakes region dogman? I know it's not a skinwalker, wendigo or werewolf, so what exactly is it? Thanks again for awesome content, Jon. You're the best.
Please do a messed origins video of the wizard of oz because I'm pretty sure we've all watched the movie but I've never read the book although I've heard a few things about what happens and the novel is way darker.
If you're going into Native American folklore, you should check out the Cherokee legend of Spearfinger. I heard a tame version of it as a kid from a guest storyteller, and when I found the full legend years later, I found myself even more in awe.
What's it about. Only tell me a little
@@kinman3051 A malevolent spirit with an elongated obsidian claw on her right hand. She would use it to tear open her victims and feast on their livers. She was also a shapeshifter and master of deception, so she could disguise herself as a loved one and enter their homes. To sum it up, it's a tale that teaches about trust, caution, and the strength of unity from when the whole community bands together against her.
And the uktena. Every culture’s gotta have a giant snake in its mythological bestiary.
As a Cherokee they should definitely do this 😂
Wait, you mean the legendary creature the people from TV show "Mountain Monsters" were exploiting on as they treat it like it's the new Bigfoot?
I’m Navajo and we’re not allowed to speak about them, whistle at night and I hate it when people joke about them and the mispronunciation of the traditional name
That's understandable.
How is anyone else supposed to understand if it's not spoken about?
@@athenia5271writing
So it must bother you about this video, even if it is educational. I'm sorry you feel uncomfortable.
Wasn't the spoken word all they had to tell tales and information before? I mean, I know what your saying is true about a lot of native people, but at the same time, everything was originally word of mouth?
Thanks for getting the information correct on the Skinwalkers, it's annoying when it isn't pointed out that it is a specific Navajo cultural topic because not all Native American tribes are the same and do have varied beliefs, I also wanted to say you are not pronouncing the word correctly but I won't correct you due to the belief of calling it's name is inviting it into your space. Also the Navajo Nation has a few tribal colleges that do employ medicine people for easy access to traditional knowledge or even have course classes so if you want sources from the culture and the people themselves contacting the tribal colleges is a good start. Dine' College is one of those colleges. Also Ashkii means "boy" and Hastiin means "man".
Thank you for the kind words! I apologize for my mispronunciation 🙏🏼 I did look up a tutorial for it but I guess it was wrong or I misunderstood it.
@@JonSolo it is a very complicated language to speak so no worries.
@@happyaccidentsmpthe reason why the windtalkers used the navajo during WW2 as code language
Thank you for this information! I had no idea that there schooling available for the public, outside of special events. It is amazing and will definitely look into it.
@@cynthiadollar9163 not sure if there is it a degree to become a medicine person, but there are some who work with Dine' College to help keep the teachings alive
My father used to tell us stories about them, he used to tell us that long ago before the settlers came they use skinwalking to go long distances and as time went on it took on this evil ways. My Grandpa told me a story about his father shooting a coyote that killed his livestock and followed the blood trail back to a Hogan (home) where he found that it had turn back into a man and dying from the gunshot, so Grandpa said normal bullets can't harm them but ash was rubbed onto the bullet and that did the trick.. i miss my dad and grandpa, loved their stories..
Thank you for sharing this anecdote.
My mom told me a story that my grandpa told her. She said that a black cat had waltzed into my great grandfathers house and there was a negative energy in the room instantly. My great grandpa beat the cat and it ran out of the house and never came back. There was trail of blood that led to a house in the village. Inside, a lady was found with broken bones and she was said to be a witch. This all takes place in rural Mexico. It’s eerie how similar our stories are
I love these Native American folklore explanations. There is so much misinformation about them, its a breath of fresh air watching these informative and inspirational videos.
As an Indigenous Australia, in my people's culture, there are some tribes that believe in mythical creatures and tell stories that are similar to Skinwalkers and other Native American creatures and stories like such as The Wendigo, Sasquatch and the Kushtaka (Otterman).
Not many folk have any knowledge of the Kushtaka. I am impressed you found it all the way in Australia. Jon that would make a worthwhile video. Inuit lore.
Kushtaka?? I grew up in midwest USA and our little river otters are adorable. One once followed me a couple miles down the shoreline playing in the water and doing all kinds of flips. Conversely I've seen South American otters and they are absolutely terrifying. The idea of a kushtaka makes my blood run cold.
@@edwardbirdsall6580 and Jon I would really love to see that!
Look up werehyenas they're from Africa.
I'm also Australian, although not indigenous, and am extremely interested in folklore and cryptids from all over the world.
I'm familiar with many Aboriginal cryptids/beliefs, but obviously there are many that I'm ignorant of.
Would you be able to give me any more information on Aboriginal legends that draw parallels with skinwalkers? I'm quite interested, but I've never come across any Aboriginal lore that references any kind of shape shifters.
I understand if you can't, I know not everything is able to be shared with outsiders openly. But it does fascinate me and I am always keen to learn more about the history of our home.
Thank you for delving into the very rich Native American folklore. I was born and raised in New Mexico and have heard many stories, including tales about skinwalkers. Another interesting creature in Native American folklore, with a possible basis in reality, are the Teihiihan. Minature cannibals..
Cannibal midgets? that's new to me
Do you mean the Little People? I've never heard about them being cannibals (at least not the NM AZ versions) but most people avoid them.
@@mark3xxy94What are you blabbering about? How is this at all disrespectful?
I grew up knowing not to talk about them, and heard some stories from my mom and uncle about them. I love that you did this, for it helps keep native beliefs alive, and shows the world just how much history, and culture, and religion has been lost.
So, I had a friend years ago that was engaged to a Navaho man. She had just gotten back from a visit to the rez to see his family, the first thing she did was start to tell me how she saw a skin walker and they were real. I had never heard it before so I asked what it was. Her initial explanation wasn't very coherent, but she definitely said "but you're not supposed talk about them, as that calls them to you." If that wasn't bad enough, she said she saw it because she was asking people about and wanted to hear stories despite people telling her to stop. Even her fiance gave her side eye while she told me. She went on for another 10 minutes. Honestly I just tuned her out and nodded. I couldn't believe how disrespectful she was being. I didn't need the details to know that much.
It's worth mention... we weren't friends much longer, she is the human equivalent of white Wonder-Bread. Her fiance was also a horrible human being too.
Now one will find you
Ain't gon lie , I wouldn't mind more story times like this , I legit got chills listening and I ain't easily shaken by horror stories growing up hearing alot myself.
Boy u weak
I live in the southwest and all the Navajo people I know have told me skinwalkers are very real. The stories they have about them and actual irl encounters are so scary! The seriousness with which theyre discussed definitely makes me think theyre real like skinwalkers are no joke.
The Cherokee group has their own shapeshifting witches called Raven Mockers who turn into giant fireballs or invisible to sneak into peoples homes and steal their hearts to add to their extended lives. The only story I’ve heard about them was a hunter heading back home decides to stay the night at his friends place cuz it’s getting late. No one is home when gets there so he lets himself in and finds a corner to sleep in but as soon as he gets comfy he hears the sound of two giant birds landing on the roof. His friend and his friends wife walk in carrying a human heart and put it on a fire to cook and eat. Eventually his friend notices the hunter watching them in the corner and ask him not to snitch on them if he lets him stay the night. Next morning dude goes home and snitches then comes back with a group to kill them only to find two really old skeletons in their bed.
The house of night book series has them, really great book series
Fireballs?! Makes me remember Conan barbarian and the scene with the witch. Brrrr scary scene.
I believe skinwalkers are real. I lived in Colorado for most of my life and I have heard stories from my Native friends. They would even tell me where not to go in the woods because that is where they live. I have never seen or experienced one but I really don't want to. I am glad you said that they choose to be a skinwalker. The origin story I heard was during a famine the women of a tribe used black magic to save their children but in return were cursed to become skinwalkers.
Get a gun. everything can be killed. If you're worried it won't go down coat the bullets in sacred ash.
Of course they are real. In the sense they were real people labeled as skin walkers in order to be ostracized bu the rest of society.
It's easy to take advantage of superstitious ignorant people.
There was an actual court case in Flagstaff, Arizona a number of years ago where the murder of a young woman was determined to be the act of a skinwalker. There were some strange oddities about this case. There is a real belief in them. I have heard some skinwalker tales from my Dine' friends that still give me the willies when I think of them. They are not to be trifled with.
Yeah I always hear about that too, it happened at the hospital (the young woman was a nurse taking a break on the trail towards the east of the hospital), they couldn't find any leads, the scene was messy I heard, and igz the guy who was convicted actually turned himself in because it was in the news and he said he had a dream of turning into a skinwalker and attacking her, he obviously thought it was just a dream till all the news. But the young womans family wanted to let him go cuz they were Navajo and believed that he was cursed or something.
What can I search up to read about the case?
I know someone who saw an actual skinwalker in Flagstaff. They were with a Navajo when it happenned and thats why they know the creature wasnt just an odd animal but a skinwalker. All the Navajo people I know say they are very real. The stories are super scary.
@@russianvalkyrie2358 idk about that cuz usually u get nightmares and ur emotions aren't the same, I've heard many times when people saw them and that happened to them. I used to hear a lot because I would watch movies at a low volume as a kid while my grandpa did ceremonies and prayers
@@TheKlutz31013 just look up 'sarah saganitso murder'
So cool that you’re doing Native American folklore one other one that’s interesting is the Hoof Lady story I grow up on that
Like from Reservation Dogs? 😮😊
@@ayanabeads1614 yeah like that
@@ayanabeads1614 only she doesn’t care if the men are good or bad
@@ayanabeads1614 She was typically rather more amoral than her portrayal in that show, though.
Is she similar to Deer Woman ?
Great video! Jon wrapped it up with what I was already thinking: there are people whose morality is completely inverted, and the only way to fight them is to do good, not to match their evil, and the Navajo came up with that concept on their own. It says a lot about the human condition.
Yes and no when someone is trying to physically do you harm the best reaction is violence
Ah the Skinwalker, One of my all time favorite creatures from Native American folklore. Next to others like the Wendigo,Thunderbird and Pukwudgies!
As a Northern Cheyenne we got the "Nonoma" Thunder bird to take us to the after life when we die.
I mdae up a character based off of this folklore. Her name is Diana Canis and she is a skinchanger.
My father once told me the origin story of the Skin Walker. It actually is a love story.
The Thunderbird was real tho
@@whitehorse4318a love story? That’s interesting
I’m so glad that you’re telling the real story because it’s so hard to find info on the skinwalkers other than fake sightings and other misinformation,it’s also nice to see you do more videos on Native American creatures
My father once told me the origin story of the Skin walkers. It actually is a love story. Unfortunately the dark side is the most popular story.
@@whitehorse4318 oh,that’s very cool
@@whitehorse4318would you mind sharing it?
I’ve heard the term Yenaldlooshi in the original Ben 10 series when Ben got scratched by an Alien Werewolf and a Navajo girl he liked thought Ben was turning into a Yenaldooshi and she wanted to keep Ben as a Pet.
Thought of this too,alot of people have pointed just how problematic that episode is too and I feel like the writers would've done better if they had actual Navajo people to consult them when writing it
@@awhimsyreader9015 Probably.
My grandmother was full Cherokee. When she would tell us stories, she would tell us the stories without using the terms. She's where I got my love for storytelling. It wasn't until middle school that I heard terms and connected dots. But she was gone by then and her tribe disowned me. I still dabble in Native American folklore but I really wish I had people to interact with to learn more about the cultures. But I still am mad confused how Hollywood created the versions of Native American creatures they popularized. The two that confuse me most are skinwalkers being werewolves possessed by demons and wendigo having antlers/horns.
It's sad that your grandmother's tribe disowned you. No matter what their feelings, you are still part of their blood, and should be accepted for it. Perhaps they will eventually see the error of their ways, and welcome you back.
Why did they disown you?
@@babybecz^
Nice job exploring the history, lore, and common stories of the Skin Walker… I have been wondering about their nature and this ties with the Navajo tradition.
I grew up between several reservations and the Skin Walker beliefs vary from tribe to tribe with the Navajos being the least likely to want to talk about them, to the Pueblo people who will talk about them to outsiders (or at least to me, but I grew up with them). I'm surprised you went for the more limiting Navajo sources.
"Monsters are real, but not in your dreams. Learn what you can from the beasts you defeat. You'll need them for some of the people you'll meet." (From a song called, "Goodnight Demon Slayer," by Aurelio Voltaire Hernandez)
So a horror movie about them would be less of a monster flick and more of a psychological thriller. Honestly, the story of a Native American medicine man slowly becoming corrupt and disconnected from his community through various negative life events and bad decisions, culminating in him partaking in the ritual and then having a standoff with his sibling, who has been trying to get the main character back on the right path, fighting to the death in order to complete/stop the transformation would be pretty good. But no, Hollywood had to go the lazy route. 😑
If the siblings knew, he would've just died, it would look like he randomly just got ill and died...
Been watching a lot of Skinwalker videos, this video is an amazingly welcome surprise. 👑
Maybe do a show on vampires as metaphor for sociopaths or malignant narcissists who use, abuse & "suck" the "life" out of others.
Another great vid! What stood out to me the most was the whole not attacking in animal form point. If you're familiar with the Skinwalker Ranch story one of the first occurances was a large wolf stalking the family's property before walking directly up to them and not attacking. Even allowing the children to pet it!
My ex had gotten a book from her weird friend. It had a cartoon image of one of them.
I told her to keep that book far away from our home. She didn’t understand why I got offended.
at the time I didn’t understand why I felt that way but now knowing the origins it makes sense.
My native half was warning me 😂
I heard about skinwalkers from a friend of mine who lives on the Washington reservation, he was told as a kid that skinwalkers are cursed hunters who didn't respect the animals they hunted for survival. Punished by their gods to become the animal they disrespected to teach them a lesson. Their transformation would be permanent if they didn't realize their mistake by the next full moon. It was a story to teach their people to give proper respect to their food source as a way of showing gratitude to nature, and that it doesn't take too kindly to ungrateful behavior that can lead to the tribe starving or having poor harvests.
The Navajos of Washington, never heard of em friend. Probably a creature of that tribe's folklore being mislabeled, or white people making up their own stories on something that doesn't belong to them-- you said lives there, not a member, after all.
This is interesting, it’s similar to the plot of the cartoon Brother Bear. It never occurred to me that could be based on actual beliefs.
Dear Jon, your message to make "good medicine' is as brilliant as you. Well said and well done. This content is deep and mind provoking.
I can't seem to find any videos of you talking about titans specifically, but maybe that's an upcoming episode. I'm curious as to which modern interpretation of Titan is closest to the Greek definition, and which is the farthest. Here are some examples:
1. Final Space - A race of giant alien creatures that were originally supposed to help with the upkeep of the galaxy, but became crazy after being corrupted by Invictus.
2. Attack On Titan - mindless beings that used to be human, but now destroy cities and devour humanity under the command of Titan generals.
3. Monsterverse - Giant creatures that occasionally fight, but who's soul purpose is to maintain the balance of the world.
4. Transformers - there's a long history of them covered in the video "Transformers the basics on Titans", but basically they're ancient beings that occasionally fight who's soul purpose is to spread cybertronian life throughout the galaxy by colonizing new worlds.
5. World Of Warcraft - Planet sized cosmic beings made of arcane magic and primordial matter bring the power of creation to planets.
And 6. Biblical Giants because it's in the bible, too. So you can't count them out.
Imagine just being an old man trying to live your life in peace and your entire community outcasts you and starts blaming you for every single bad thing that happens and accusing you or horrendous actions with absolutely zero evidence
Not really, Navajo people don't just blame outcasts cuz bad stuff is happening, most of us respect our elders, especially if they're indigenous. lol but if someone's being bothered, cursed, or something keeps killing the livestock, we just get a prayer/ceremony done and there's a part in it where u look into red embers, and u'll see the person who's bothering u (not super detailed but u'll probably recognize them) plz don't blow this out of proportion or try to recreate the ceremony in ur head
I was trying to figure out why the name sounded familiar… until I remembered that Ben 10 did an episode about an evil Yenaldooshi that turned out to just be an alien wolf that looked like a traditional human werewolf. Thank for correcting the pronunciation, guess I’ve been saying it wrong all these years 😅
Moms side is Apache and we never spoke about that subject. Now it was known by her mother that certain people in her village had been able to become animals. Now we’re talking the 1930’s-1940’s. She passed when I was 16. Thought she was my mom till I was 8. Wish I could have had more time with her on this plain. See you Mom, but not so soon.
Loved learning more about my heritage! Keep it up with the diversity of content 🪶🤗
Honestly the first time I've heard of a skinwalker was pretty scary and my older cousin did a very good explanation on them. Im not native American or anything but im pretty interested in the idea of Skin walkers
i have cousins that are navajo and used to live on a reservation. when my family visited, my sister had mentioned a skinwalker once, and nobody in the room talked with her, even hardly looked at her, until the next day. it was interesting to me, and im appreciative that i found a video like this to explain them to me.
The first place I ever encountered a “skinwalker” story was, apparently, in Ben 10 Classic, in an episode where the main characters visited an old friend living on a Navajo reservation. They encountered an alien that was mistaken for a “Yenaldooshi” (how they spelled it in the show), which was described as basically being a Navajo werewolf. Until today, I didn’t even realize they were two names for the same thing.
They wrote the name wrong so it won't give them more power
Author Tony Hillerman did the same thing with his Navajo police stories
If you're covering Indigenous American stories, how about the one about Spider Woman or Spider Grandmother? Ive always found it interesting how widespread that one is.
4:02
Its very very remarkable how alike the european witch initiation matches the skinwalkers.
Saw this and went hell yes
Wow this was very interesting! I have lived in the Cherokee reservation my whole life and never heard of skin walkers. If course I'm Irish lol my husband is Cherokee though. I'm so jealous you guys are going to Ireland. One day I will go home.
Thanks jon been looking forward to this one! Thabks to all the people in the comments too, teaching us a lot! Xxx
Thank you for the clarification Jon. I really enjoy these videos but I also learn something new everytime I hear one of your story’s. Keep up the awesome work; 🔥🔥🔥as always
I’m not Native American but growing up in El Salvador 🇸🇻 my great uncle used to tell me about an entity like the skin walkers who were also witches who either turned into coyotes ,giant owls or some would turn into balls of fire to cause chaos and steal babies to drink their blood
Same thing in Haiti🇭🇹, they are real but we call them lougawo. They also secretly target their victims by stalking them by disguising themselves as animals and at night they attack or take the victim to either steal their soul or drink their blood. Or eat the person.
Wow, it’s amazing that these similar creature stories are all over these Americas. I’m half Nicaraguan, I’ve got to ask family about this if we have a similar story
I have been looking forward to this episode ever since you mentioned it and I was not disappointed! I love all your videos but I must admit that it's the spookier, creepy ones that I like the most. I've always found skin walkers terrifying and the fact that they are actual people makes it all the scarier. I particularly enjoyed the second story albeit very gruesome in parts! Keep up the good work Jon, your channel is amazing 🤩
I belong to several groups where members discuss Appalachian folklore, cryptids, witchcraft, and various "high strangeness" here in the regoin, and i can't even begin to count the times someone has seen something weird or heard some unseen being calling their name asking the group if it could be a skinwalker. You really can't get angry at them because there's so much incorrect information floating around out there, including the part where they don't live in this area and never have. These mountains are older than time itself, with enough high strangeness and folklore that we don't need to appropriate from other cultures. Thank you for taking the time to research from reputable sources !
I first heard the term "Skinwalker" in an episode of Smallville. Needless to say, they took the Hollywood route and completely ignored the mythology behind the term and just made it another way of saying werewolf. That last story you told was scary AF by the way.
I think you meant supernatural right?
@sofiadeliz1935 actually, they appear in smallville season 2 ep 10. But yeah despite being referred to as such, they're just werewolves
@carebear6036 ok I'll check that out smallville was and is one of my fave series
Amazing job Jon Solo keep them coming and can I ask you something if I am
Yo I'm always glad to hear some of my people's mythology being shared. I'm Navajo but like my uncle, im not a traditionalist so we chat about taboo stuff like this all the time.
Would you be interested in helping me out? I interviewed people who have seen weird stuff and then dive into their cases. I finished my rough cut for my 2nd interview in which they mentioned they suspect a skin walker is involved. I don't dive too deep into it due both to the limited reliable info and not wanting to make it too controversial. I tried looking in forums to see if any Navajo would look at it and let me know if it felt exploitative, offensive or sensational in any way so if that where the case I could fix it. So far nobody has actually listened to it but all the people in the forums are telling me to delete it on principle. It would be a big help if you or someone you know could take a look and let me know if I'm in the green or if I should make changes.
Love your clips Jon...you just earned yourself a new subscriber 👍
From Guam, USA 🇺🇸
So that means the bear lady from disenchanted was a skin walker 😮
I think she's a selkie actually
YES!!! criptids !!! been waiting for this, but from The one and only Jon Solo!!! great video man !!!
I think I've heard skinwalkers a few times. Me & my step dad went out to smoke & we heard whistling it sounded like it was coming around the corner of the house, then after a snow storm I heard someone screaming bloody murder, a few miles from my house & a few months ago I was outside smoking & checking my blood pressure on my watch & someone screamed turn that off, from the field across the street from my house. Then I had to go to my therapist a few months after, things just came at me to fast & up until yesterday, I was really mad at my step dad, like I hated him, I wanted to hit him with a cheap shot so many times & he was acting like he was mad at me, I don't know why & at the time didn't care
Seems more like a ghost, where do u live?? Not specific but in a small town or city?? Skinwalkers can whistle but it would be more like one of u would only hear it loudly and think ur tripping. They don't talk, scream, laugh, or pretty much nothing audible.
@@UlpSna about a few minutes from the city & in between two small towns
@@jameslink8 yeah they're usually in the reservation but it's pretty rare to have them near cities or towns, but it's not impossible, another comment was talking about a case that happened in Flagstaff Az.
Yessss! You used my idea I recommended! ❤❤❤
I had actually heard that the real life family that inspired the Courage the Cowardly Dog show, had been thought to have been killed by skin walkers. Apparently them am and their neighbors had been reporting skinwalkera before their disappearance.
There were stories of them around a farm I worked on for a while and the number one rule was if the field went completely quite you would either get in your truck or 4x4 and gun it or climb a tree and get your rifle ready, gladly I never ran into anything like that but the other farm hands would always freak me out with stories 😬
I remember reading a paranormal fantasy book about 15 years ago that was my intro to skinwalkers, and was very true to the folklore you shared here, including that the person had to kill a family member to become one. I can't for the life of me remember what book it was, but think about it often.
I'm in the same boat. Don't remember the book, but I think maybe it was a Kitty and the Midnight Hour book? But I don't ever remember them getting into Native American folklore
My father once told me the origin story of Skin walkers. It actually is a love story.
There's a series called the Mercy Thompson series about one
@@nivision That sounds familiar. Author name?
@@allym2787 The Author is Patricia Briggs. I LOVE that series!
Im navajo and i absolutely love that you covered skinwalkers
I remember when history channel did a show like this? It was called Skinwalker ranch but, I enjoy this much better.
New vid let’s gooooo!
I live and grew up in New Mexico, and am thrilled to hear Jon telling some obscure tales with respect and sensitivity.
There's a reason the Navajo (and Pueblos) keep their lore close to the vest. Maybe if we outsiders could be trusted to explore the symbolism and psychology behind the tales, we would be invited to hear more of them in the ways they were intended to be told. Thank you, Solo Cups, for appreciating Jon's attention to detail!
I live in Utah like an hour away from Skinwalker Ranch, so this was quite interesting
So ... Native American Diabolists ... SCARY ...
Thanks for the video!
Kind of makes me wish they could do something like "The Conjuring" or "Insidious" but based on Native American folklore.
( would absolutely watch ... )
First heard about them watching Ghost Adventures...there is so much in the world and in history that we're unaware of. great vid.
As a navajo this to me is partially half of the story, with parts added. The original reason "skinwalker" was a thing was for hunting - but like everything over time the bad bunch started to use the old ways for wrong reason toward their own.
I find it interesting how a lot of the misconceptions and interpretations are more often than not creatures/ cryptids from different Native American cultures
Thank you so much for this episode, it's so difficult to find actual accurate information about skinwalkers because of how whitewashed the consept has become from creepypasta and cinema, same with wendigos.
Love your clarification of the fables, fairytales, folklore and traditions ❤❤❤
Speaking as someone who Practices Druidism and herbalism I feel that others knowing the stories would help in making people understand things better of course I always knew Skin Walkers were essentially dark shamans who gave into the temptation of darkness
Thank you Jon!
I first encountered Skin Walkers in the Iron Druid series where they were an antagonist for a part of the fourth book in the series.
Some Navajos helped Kevin Hearne with the language, culture and stories. Most of the Navajo parts are on point
*Been looking forward to this one. This is a side of the Native culture i don't know that much about.* And apart of my personal heritage Im not familiar with.
I love how much new info has come into clarify this lesser known and elusive monster, though there is one fact you forgot to mention: Skinwalkers can mimic any family member's voices, kind of like the Sirens as a way to lure wandering and unsuspecting victims into a trap. Plus to know if a certain animal is a Skinwalker is to trap it in it's animal form, and if it reverts back into it's human form, is when you can kill it.
This of course was from Lost Tapes, which is how I got introduced to this legend.
The man with four legs don't talk, if they do they die and there is a story about that where a mom toss the babys poop out side of the Hogan and it landed on the man faced and the other one laughed and he died so the other one ran off because his cover was blown. They don't talk
As a Navajo, this is bs. U can't trap them like a cartoon character in ropes, and they don't talk, the only thing they do that is audible is whistle but usually it's to quiet and loud for the person who can hear it. I do believe in ghosts tho, back at my grandma's, my family would hear a little girl crying some nights and it's pretty easy looking around with a spot light because the land is flat, besides ditches, plus sage and juniper trees everywhere. Ik how how to get rid of them in many ways cuz my grandpa was a medicine man and I always heard stories from his ceremonies(it's not like he had a certain room, he lived in a hoogan and we didn't have much to do beside watching old Disney VHS tapes and rewinding) also from family, and friends. I don't want to tell, not because I think it will attract skinwalkers but I think someone who tries to retell it, they're gonna try to put their own stupid spin on it.
@@UlpSna Interesting.
@@QuomoQZ Interesting.
@@UlpSnathere's one absolute way to harm them. But I'm not explaining white ash to these folks who think they can catch one like a cartoon LoL
I think I first read about them in the book called "Kitty takes a Holiday". After that it was reading and research for me because I was curious. I never believed what Hollywood would give us.
Very nicely done, it is good to see someone cover skin walkers aside form the creepy pastas. While I do enjoy the stories hearing the historic perspective is a very good change of pace. There was no new information here for myself though hopefully many others will learn some good information.
Finally a trusted source!! Thanks dude!!
I really love your videos! I’m only a teenager but have gotten braver and more interested in scary things? Your explanions help me (a little blind kid) with a little vision can understand and enjoy? I love learning and exploring!
I knew quite a bit even though it was due to my fascination with Skinwalker Ranch, but now I have a much deeper appreciation and knowledge. Since you did this one could you *please* cover Deer Lady and other indigenous lore ! I didn't know about her before Rez Dogs and now I want to consume all the native lore I can.
Deer lady is a hybrid half woman half deer a satyr of sorts that snatches mischievous male travelers in the night and drowns them. Legends go she was once a unwed woman who was known for her taxidermy skills particularly with deer pelts until she was raped and drown. She is supposedly summoned by whistling at night until she whistles back or by women in distress at night and supposedly located in darker areas of deep forest with densely packed trees. Places of isolation where the sunlight doesn't ever shine.
I was exposed to the Navajo Skin Walkers by Tony Hillerman Navajo mystery series. Great information and keep up the great work.
Oh i've been waiting for this one. Did you know that a man was convitcted wrongly due to a skinwalker? He was lated proven inncoent and released but still.
Well researched great video
The story with Ushkhi (apologies if i spelled it wrong) sounds like it ties into the story of Many Goats Uncle , but just from the actual victims perspective. While Many goats uncle was from the perspective of the tribe . But in his story whenever they heard a coyote cry they wonder who’s child got taken tonight… It’s just ironic that there was a baby involved in both stories
There's a place called skinwalker ranch which is very interesting for a lot of paranormal investigators because of all the weird animals that they've seen on the grounds.
But in all honesty, i was just telling a coworker about skinwalkers and all of a sudden your video pops up. Are you listening in Jon? 😂😂😂
So interesting. Thanks Jon
Jon Solo: Skinwalkers are seriously misunderstood!
Goes on to describe them as evil witches, depraved and evil lifestyles, and being evil creatures.
Me:................are they really misunderstood?!
Misunderstood isn't always a sympathetic term. He's saying that the internet and non Natives, in general, form their own conclusions and liken Skinwalkers to werewolves. That's the misunderstanding. Werewolves, in most Eurocentric lore, are victims of another werewolf. They don't want to do what they're said to do. Skinwalkers enter their lifestyle with deliberate intent; they know exactly what they're doing and they enjoy it.
While some form of magic does propel the werewolf, it can be intentional or not and generally not seen as wholly beneficial even for the practitioner as some can lose control. While everything about the skinwalkers is intentional and it is all about the benefit of the user that causes them to adopt that path. You need to delibrately perform evil acts to gain the powers, which is not limited to shape shifting. The latter is always evil in a way that inspires fear of those who only appear human. While the werewolf may just be in over their head.
The misunderstanding is that skinwalkers might be evil beasts with superpowers instead of evil humans who shed their humanity.
@@deaconsmom2000 I think you're misunderstanding traditional European werewolves. The innocent victims are very much the minority of werewolf legends. Most often they're people who've bargained for supernatural powers... and get more than they expected, since the hunger and bloodlust of the werewolf causes them to become reckless, typically ending in capture, torture, and execution. France in particular was rife with werewolfery and a lot of people were burned at the stake as 'confirmed' werewolves.
As a white man from Washington who lives in New Mexico now, i hear people say "skinwalker" but every time i ask about it i get very brief and vague answers and this video helped me understand so much. Thank you
How many stories does @JonSolo know now? I bet he's probably close to being a seventh level bard by now. But maybe he actually has surpassed their number.
It's easy to learn, plenty of books out there on it.
@@Topdoggie7 that is true. I was speaking in terms of the connection to Brehon Law as it pertains to their bardic 'level'. Especially since he's going to Ireland!
This is the shit I watch before going to sleep 💀😭 (also its 3 am as I type this so do with that information what you will lmao)
Do a Messed up Origins of unicorns
Native American folklore is down right the most terrifying stuff I've ever listened to. Creepy!
Sounds like Many Goats Uncle was a scapegoat...
Maybe that Medicine Man was really the Skinwalker...
Maybe The Tall Man...
As an indigenous American I love seeing these videos calling out the misrepresentation of are folklore
I don't have any connection with my tribe due to my grandfather taking the tribe number to his grave and telling no one beyond just the name of the tribe.
Would anyone know the name of the Apache's equivalent of the skinwalker? And maybe the difference in terms of colors or where I could find that info. I tried to Google it and just got super general info basically saying "Yeah, Apache have a version of it"
Reading the comment section has been enlightening. I, personally, have never been in a social setting where i had the privilege to wutness different Native American tribes talk amongst themselves about their opinions on different tribe's traditions, rules, and beliefs. That's really cool to see.
It feels weird to be this early 😭
I'm an igbo from Nigeria, my father and the elderly people in my community used to tell me and my siblings how my Great grandfather could turn to a lion at will and devour people, i never believed the stories, but I think it's real
I would really prefer that Native American beliefs & culture not be conflated with cryptids/used as proof for the existence of cryptids or be misappropriated in mainstream horror.
I think my dad's a skin walker. We were having a deep conversation while camping. And the convo steered towards skin walkers. And I was like it makes no sense. It's impossible. It's physically impossible. You would have to break down your body to the core. And he stops and proceeds to explain the process of turning into a new walker. And I was mind blown because it made perfect sense.
He's not. The moment someone knows who they are. They die. Well in three days
That's right he's not... what all these stories really are is far more terrifying.