| Skinwalker | |
|---|---|
| Type | Monsters |
| Lore Origin | Native American Folklore |
| Seasons | S6 |
| Kill Method | Silver |
Skinwalkers in Supernatural are shapeshifters with a specific and limited transformation: each skinwalker can shift between a single animal form and their human form. Unlike broader shapeshifters who can take any human appearance, skinwalkers are locked into one animal. In the episode that featured them, they had infiltrated human homes by posing as family dogs, living undetected while waiting for a signal to turn on their "owners."
In Supernatural
Skinwalkers appeared in Season 6, Episode 8, "All Dogs Go to Heaven." A man was found mauled to death, and the investigation led to Lucky, a stray dog adopted by a family. Lucky was actually a skinwalker living as the family's pet, gathering intelligence. It was revealed that a pack of skinwalkers had placed sleeper agents — all in dog form — in families across the city. On command, they would turn and infect their host families, building an army. The Alpha Skinwalker was directing the operation. Sam killed the pack leader with silver bullets, and Lucky chose to protect the family rather than follow orders.
Real-World Folklore
The Navajo yee naaldlooshii (skinwalker) is one of the most feared figures in Navajo tradition. In Navajo belief, a skinwalker is a witch who has gained the power to transform into any animal by performing a deeply taboo act (often described as killing a close family member). Skinwalkers are practitioners of the "Witchery Way" and are considered the antithesis of everything the Navajo healing tradition represents.
It is important to note that many Navajo people consider public discussion of skinwalkers to be dangerous and disrespectful. The traditions are sacred, and the casual treatment of skinwalker lore in popular culture is viewed negatively by many within the Navajo Nation.
Supernatural's version bears little resemblance to the Navajo original. The show's skinwalkers are more like a variant of the werewolf — a biological creature with a single animal form. The rich cultural, spiritual, and taboo dimensions of the Navajo concept are absent.
Weaknesses
Silver bullets kill skinwalkers. A bite from a skinwalker in animal form turns the victim into a skinwalker. There is no known cure. Their animal form can be identified by unusual behavior — a dog that seems too intelligent, too watchful, or too attached to specific routines may warrant investigation.