The Best of Coast to Coast AM
Shapeshifters - Best of Coast to Coast AM - 1/3/25
Jan 4, 2025
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.
14:48
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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