Skinwalkers

The Navajo skinwalker belief is one of the most pervasive and feared legends of the American Southwest. These shape-shifting witches are said to don the skins of animals to prowl the night and commit terrible acts. The belief is deeply ingrained in Navajo culture and has been passed down for generations.

The origins of the skinwalker legend are unclear, but it is thought to be a holdover from the days of the Anasazi. The Anasazi were a Native American people who inhabited the Four Corners region of the US from around 1000 BC to 1300 AD. They were a peaceful people who built elaborate cliff dwellings and created a rich culture.

However, the Anasazi were eventually driven from their homes by a series of droughts and other environmental disasters. It is thought that during this time, some of the Anasazi turned to dark magic and witchcraft in order to survive. These witches were known as the yee naaldlooshii, or “skinwalkers”.

The yee naaldlooshii were said to be able to transform themselves into animals, and they used this power to harm people. They were also said to be able to control the weather and to make people sick. The Anasazi eventually abandoned their homes and dispersed into different tribes.

The skinwalker legend persisted, and it was eventually adopted by the Navajo. The Navajo believe that there are two types of skinwalkers: the benevolent nadle and the evil yee naaldlooshii. The nadle are said to be able to transform themselves into animals in order to help people. They are also said to have healing powers.