Shapeshifters - Best of Coast to Coast AM - 1/3/25
Jan 4, 2025
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Author John Kachuba dives into the captivating world of shapeshifters, unpacking legends from around the globe, including mysterious creatures in Japanese folklore. He discusses the historical basis for Dracula, linking Vlad the Impaler to modern vampire myths. Delving deeper, Kachuba highlights instances of shapeshifting in the Bible, showcasing the dual nature of these legends as both thrilling and complex. The conversation weaves between psychological transformations and the chilling implications of shapeshifting in our understanding of identity.
Shapeshifting myths across cultures highlight the interplay of morality and justice, as seen in Japanese folklore's vengeful ghost stories.
The connection between historical figures like Vlad the Impaler and modern vampire legends showcases how myths evolve through literature and belief.
Deep dives
The Nature of Shapeshifters
Shapeshifters appear in various forms across different cultures, with Japanese folklore featuring unique takes on these entities. In Japan, many shapeshifters are believed to be ghosts who transform into other individuals to seek revenge, such as a spurned woman disguising herself as her husband's new girlfriend. Additionally, there are instances of shapeshifters taking the form of inanimate objects, showcasing the diverse range of transformation myths. This illustrates how cultural narratives often weave together elements of morality, justice, and the supernatural.
External vs. Internal Shapeshifting
External shapeshifters undergo visible transformations, such as werewolves depicted in films like 'An American Werewolf in London'. In contrast, internal shapeshifters embody a psychological change, where the individual retains their physical appearance while harboring hidden malevolence, exemplified by serial killers like Ted Bundy. Bundy presented a façade of charm and normalcy, masking his violent tendencies behind a 'sheep in wolf's clothing' persona. This dichotomy emphasizes the complex nature of identity and perception in narratives surrounding shapeshifting.
Historical Perspectives on Vampirism
The roots of modern vampirism can be traced back to historical figures like Vlad the Impaler, who inspired Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'. Vlad, known for his brutal methods of impalement, accrued a reputation for being ruthless, leading to myths of his vampiric nature. Researching shapeshifting also involves delving into ancient texts, such as those revealing interpretations of biblical stories that hint at figures possessing the ability to appear differently to various people. This interplay between history, literature, and supernatural belief shows the evolving concept of what it means to shape and shift identities.
George Noory and author John Kachuba discuss the legends of shapeshifters, humans who can transform into werewolves and other creatures, the historical figure who inspired the myth of the vampire Dracula, and stories of Jesus shapeshifting in the Bible.