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Werehyena: The Terrifying Shapeshifters of African Lore

Season 3 Episode 2 | 7m 40s

African folklore dictates that unlike other werecreatures this monster is an animal that disguises itself in human form. By day it walks the earth nearly indistinguishable from humans, but at night it returns to its true hyena shape. We take a look at Beta Israel, or Ethiopian Jews, who became commonly accused of taking the guise of this monster and why prejudice contributes to monster lore.

Aired: 02/02/21
Extras
Let’s talk about the eerie and unsettling legend of changelings.
Rooted in Greek culture, the Christmas monster Kallikantzaros is a goblin-like creature.
You think you know Gremlins—but their story is far deeper than just the 1984 movie.
Let’s talk slasher films–their origins, their lasting impact, and why we love them so much!
Is the Manticore a man-eating monster from Persian myth or simply a misidentified tiger?
Jiangshi, is a variation on the vampire that you won’t soon forget!
Translation has shaped the lore of Grendel's Mother as a fearsome yet misunderstood figure.
La Lechuza: The Shape-Shifting Witch-Owl
King Kong and how his long-lived story has changed to reflect our society’s complex social issues.
Ever felt like a place seems real yet oddly unsettling?
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Let’s talk about the eerie and unsettling legend of changelings.
Rooted in Greek culture, the Christmas monster Kallikantzaros is a goblin-like creature.
You think you know Gremlins—but their story is far deeper than just the 1984 movie.
Let’s talk slasher films–their origins, their lasting impact, and why we love them so much!
Is the Manticore a man-eating monster from Persian myth or simply a misidentified tiger?
Jiangshi, is a variation on the vampire that you won’t soon forget!
Translation has shaped the lore of Grendel's Mother as a fearsome yet misunderstood figure.
La Lechuza: The Shape-Shifting Witch-Owl
King Kong and how his long-lived story has changed to reflect our society’s complex social issues.
Ever felt like a place seems real yet oddly unsettling?