A Brief History of the Skin Walker

I’m sure that by now every cryptid lover, and even those new to discovering cryptids, are very aware, or should be, of the superstitions involving and surrounding the name of the Skin Walker. After all, a larger than normal creature gallivanting about the woods who can transform into an 'almost person' to lure you closer? Absolutely terrifying.

Buy what, exactly, is a Skin Walker? Where did the idea for this ghastly creature come from? And better yet, is it safe to say the name or even mention it?

First, we need to start from the beginning.

Skin Walker legends originate from several different Native American tribes, the most notable one being from the Navajo tribe. In Navajo lore, a skin walker was once an evil witch or sorcerer, usually a medicine man or woman, who abused their healing magic and instead used it for malicious purposes. The result? Horrifying creatures that have the ability to shift into any animal, run long distances at incredibly high speeds, and even 'steal' the faces of people.

Other legends from the Apache, Hopi and Pueblo people have similar stories. In one story, any man, woman, or child could become a skin walker by performing any sort of taboo; much like the origins of the Wendigo curse. Another story is closely linked to a Creation Myth in which the Skin Walkers were once divine beings who refused to abandon the mortal world and were corrupted by the power given to them. Almost like the Native American equivalent to Christianity's story of the Fallen Angels.

Recognizing a creature such as this could be incredibly difficult, considering the whole purpose of taking another form is so it can fool you. Many people who have experienced a sighting, describe them as being "hollowed out" dog-like animals. Some of the more famous footage found on YouTube and TikTok of supposed Skin Walker sightings show the cryptid appearing to be more human-like, and even shout commonly used phrases such as, 'hello,' 'hey,' and 'help' to receive attention.

The best piece of advice I can offer you is this: use your gut instinct. If something doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't. Skin Walkers are commonly believed to hang around graveyards and native american reservations, and are sometimes accompanied by the smell of rotting flesh. If you do happen to stumble upon one, its movements tend to be jerky and its actions repeated. The creature also tends to repeat the same phrase with the same tone of voice over and over again to gain attention. Back away, head to the nearest safe place, such as a locked vehicle or building, and don't look directly into its eyes. It is said that they can 'steal' your face or even absorb itself into you and control your actions.

So, the final question is this: is it safe to openly discuss the topic of Skin Walkers and say their name?

Being superstitious myself, the simple answer is no. In the Native community, talking about evil beings or entities is not only believed to bring bad luck to the one who utters the name, but is also able to summon and make an appearance of the being more likely to happen. If you wish to test the theory out for yourself, take caution and keep in mind that the people from which this legend originates refuse to even say the name because of this.

From an outsider's perspective, the fact that Natives refuse to partake in any conversations dealing with their own legend should warn others to do the same. But, who knows? In any case, you should be weary about wandering around in graveyards and forests alone at night.