Skinwalker
Skinwalker
Numerous cultures all over the world believe in some version of a Skinwalker, which is closely related to beliefs about werewolves and other were-creatures. The best documented Skinwalker beliefs are those of the Navajo yenaldooshi. The yenaldooshi are evil human beings who have gained supernatural power by murdering a close relative. The creature travels by night, spreading misery and desecrating holy things. He or she is usually naked, except for a coyote skin. The yenaldooshi is also said to have the power to assume the form of a coyote or other animal.
The yenaldooshi's power comes from its use of corpse powder, which is made from human cadavers. Touching the corpse powder curses a person with sickness or death. This is an inversion pollen usage, which Navajos sprinkle to produce blessings.
In Norse folklore, a Skinwalker is a person who can travel in the shape of an animal or take on certain characteristics of an animal. The most well-known example is a warrior who takes on the strength and stamina of a bear, called bear shirt or berserker.
Skinwalkers are the suspected culprits in 1.02 Wendigo and 1.06 Skin, however the creatures there turn out to be a Wendigo and Shapeshifter respectively.
A Navajo version of the Hook Man Legend attributes the boyfriend's death in that tale to a Skinwalker. Source.
Skinwalkers are similar to werewolves in that they can be killed with silver, they infect others with a bite, and they like to eat the hearts of their victims, but they can change at any time instead of being limited by the phases of the moon.6.08 All Dogs Go To Heaven
6.08 All Dogs Go To Heaven
The Winchesters, looking for another Alpha for Crowley investigate death they think are due to Werewolves. Finding Cal Garrigan is a common link between the victims, they suspect him until he too is killed. His girlfriend Mandy the appears the likely killer, until Sam witnesses the woman's dog Lucky change into a man. Lucky has been killing anyone who threatens Mandy and her son.
Sam chases him, but the man (in dog form) is hit by a car. Sam and Dean take him from the vet hospital, binding him in rope and Silver chains to restrain him. it transpires that the man was homeless when he was approached and recruited to become a skinwalker by being told that being bitten would make him strong and fast.
Lucky reveals that there are about 30 Skinwalkers who have been recruited and are living with families as pets. On a signal from their pack leader, they will infect their families, thus recruiting more skinwalkers. He tells Sam and Dean that there are packs in many towns, but he knows nothing of the Alpha Skinwalker.
Lucky leads Sam and Dean to the Pack Leader, but he has kidnapped Mandy and her son and threatens to kill them unless Lucky turns them. Sam and Dean open fire, and all the Skinwalkers are killed, except Lucky who although shot with a Silver bullet, escapes.
Lucky, in human form, goes to visit Mandy and tells her how he appreciated her kindness, but she tells him to leave. Lucky transforms into a dog and dejectedly leaves.
- See also Wendigo, Shapeshifters
